Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mind-blowing Shanghai Noodle Salad that promises to transport you straight to the vibrant streets of China – without leaving your kitchen! This incredibly quick and refreshing dish is about to become your new summer obsession, combining crisp vegetables, silky rice noodles, and a punch of Asian-inspired flavors that will make your palate dance with excitement. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a delicious meal that comes together in mere minutes, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to gourmet dining.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp peanuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice to create the dressing. Ensure ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the vegetables: slice bell peppers into thin strips, julienne the cucumber, and shred the carrots using a grater or mandoline.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled rice noodles with sliced bell peppers, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the noodles and vegetables, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts and chopped fresh cilantro over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold as a refreshing and light meal, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Noodle Perfection: Always slightly undercook your rice noodles, as they'll continue to soften when mixed with the dressing and vegetables.
- Chill Factor: For maximum flavor infusion, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to fully penetrate the ingredients.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap or add different vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preference. Bell peppers, cucumber, and carrots provide a perfect texture balance.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure they're well combined and emulsified for a more cohesive flavor profile.
- Garnish Game: Don't skip the crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro – they add critical texture and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or summer gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
