Refreshing Cold Rice Noodle Salad with Pineapple Dressing
This delightful Cold Rice Noodle Salad with Pineapple Dressing embodies the essence of summer, making it an ideal dish for picnics, beach outings, or any casual gathering where a refreshing meal is appreciated. The absence of mayonnaise not only makes this recipe worry-free for outdoor settings but also keeps it light and vegan-friendly, perfect for those seeking vibrant, plant-based options. Grab your chopsticks and prepare to enjoy a burst of tropical flavors in every bite!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Description | A cool summer recipe, perfect for picnics, vegan-friendly, easy to prepare |
| Servings | 4 servings (approx.) |
Ingredients
The following table outlines the ingredients you will need to prepare this vibrant salad, along with their respective quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Low sodium soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh ginger, minced | ½ tablespoon |
| Rice vinegar | ⅓ cup |
| Green curry paste | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3-4 cloves |
| Red bell pepper, thinly sliced | 2 |
| Carrot, julienned | 1 |
| Scallion, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Fresh mint leaves, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Boston lettuce leaves | 6 |
| Lime, cut into wedges | 1 |
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 232.3 |
| Total Fat | 6.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 8.1 g |
| Protein | 2.6 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Cold Rice Noodle Salad with Pineapple Dressing, ensuring that every element melds beautifully for an unforgettable dish:
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Boil the Water: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, as this will be used to prepare the rice noodles.
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Prepare the Dressing: While waiting for the water to boil, take a blender or food processor and combine the low sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, green curry paste, brown sugar, and minced garlic cloves. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. This dressing can be prepared up to four days in advance; simply store it in the refrigerator until needed.
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Cook the Noodles: Once the water is boiling, place your rice noodles in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over them, ensuring the noodles are fully submerged. Stir gently to separate them and allow the noodles to soak for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender.
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Drain and Rinse: After the noodles have soaked, drain them in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again to remove excess moisture.
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Coat the Noodles: Return the rinsed noodles to the large bowl. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, tossing gently to ensure the noodles are evenly coated and do not stick together.
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Add Fresh Vegetables: To the noodles, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, scallions, and ¼ cup each of chopped cilantro and mint. Toss everything together gently to combine the fresh flavors.
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Dress the Salad: Pour ½ of the prepared pineapple dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, tossing well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
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Garnish: To finish, sprinkle the remaining chopped cilantro and mint over the top of the salad, adding a burst of freshness. Garnish with lime wedges to enhance the flavors and provide a zesty kick.
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Serve: Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Serve the remaining pineapple dressing on the side for guests to add according to their preference.
This Cold Rice Noodle Salad with Pineapple Dressing not only captures the refreshing tastes of summer but also brings an inviting tropical flair to your dining experience. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next outdoor gathering, and let the vibrant colors and flavors transport you to a sun-soaked paradise!
