Description
This Asian Noodle Salad features a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, and a tangy, naturally made dressing. A refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or potluck gatherings, combining bright textures and balanced tastes in a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Protein
- 200g rice noodles
- 100g smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium cucumber, finely sliced
- 2 medium carrots, finely sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely sliced
- 3 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
Dressing (natural)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp grape juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and to remove excess starch, giving them a refreshing chill.
- Cook the turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the vegetables and herbs: Finely slice the cucumber, carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions. Roughly chop the cilantro and mint, giving everything a vibrant, fresh feel.
- Make the dressing (natural): Whisk together soy sauce (natural), toasted sesame oil, lime juice, grape juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of sugar until well combined for a perfectly balanced tangy dressing.
- Toss everything together: In a large bowl, combine the noodles, turkey bacon, veggies, and herbs. Pour over the dressing (natural) and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if using and an extra handful of fresh herbs for bright pops of flavor and texture before serving.
Notes
- Cook noodles just right to avoid mushiness.
- Chill noodles under cold water after cooking to maintain texture and temperature.
- Toast peanuts lightly before adding for enhanced crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice or grape juice in the dressing to balance tanginess and sweetness preferences.
- Use fresh herbs to maximize flavor brightness and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Asian noodle salad, rice noodles, turkey bacon salad, fresh noodle salad, tangy dressing, healthy Asian recipe
