Asian Noodle Salad with Chicken

Name: Asian Noodle Salad with Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz rice noodles; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 1 cup cucumber, julienned; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; Optional: chili flakes to taste

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love making Asian Noodle Salad with Chicken for my family. The vibrant colors and bold flavors always bring excitement to the table. With perfectly cooked noodles tossed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, this dish is a delightful fusion of tastes and textures. I love that it's quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at a gathering. Plus, it's versatile—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T17:54:27.694Z

During one family gathering, I decided to create a refreshing salad that blended our love for Asian flavors with a light and wholesome approach. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory noodles was a hit; everyone kept coming back for seconds! I discovered that the key is to use fresh ingredients, which enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Another tip I learned is to prepare the dressing in advance and let it sit for a while. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously tangy profile that complements the noodles and chicken perfectly. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
A healthy option packed with fresh veggies and lean protein

Preparing the Noodles

Cooking the rice noodles to perfection is crucial for the overall texture of your Asian Noodle Salad. When boiling the noodles, keep an eye on them to avoid becoming overly soft. Ideally, you want them to be tender but still firm enough to hold up when tossed with the other ingredients. Rinsing them under cold water after draining is a key step, as it not only halts the cooking process but also helps to remove excess starch, preventing the noodles from sticking together.

If you're looking to save time, consider soaking the rice noodles in hot water instead of boiling them. This method typically takes about 15-20 minutes and yields a similar result. Once you’ve prepared the noodles, you can easily adjust the portion size according to your needs, making it simple to scale the recipe for larger gatherings or to meal prep for the week.

Customizing the Salad

One of the best things about this Asian Noodle Salad is its versatility. You can easily swap out the cooked chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. If using shrimp, cook them until they are pink and opaque, usually around 2-3 minutes for each side. For tofu, try using firm tofu that’s been pressed and cubed, which provides a fantastic texture. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables, such as snap peas or bell peppers, to bring in new flavors and crunch.

For an added layer of flavor, consider incorporating nuts or seeds, like peanuts or sesame seeds, which can give a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender noodles and vegetables. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding some thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy chili oil can elevate this dish to your taste. Remember, the key is to balance these ingredients harmoniously, ensuring that every bite is full of exciting flavors.

Ingredients

For the Salad

8 oz rice noodles
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup cucumber, julienned
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
Optional: chili flakes to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, bell pepper, carrots, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your Asian Noodle Salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas or edamame, for an extra crunch. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to prepare this salad in advance, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to avoid soggy noodles and vegetables. You can prepare the salad components without the dressing and store them in an airtight container, making it super easy to toss everything together at mealtime.

For those who want to keep some leftovers, consider adding a splash of hot water to revive the noodles when reheating. This trick will help restore their original texture without overcooking them. It's a great way to ensure you enjoy every last bite over the next couple of days.

Serving Suggestions

This Asian Noodle Salad is a fantastic standalone meal, but it can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. For an authentic dining experience, try pairing it with crispy spring rolls or marinated grilled skewers—both complement the vibrant flavors of this salad beautifully. Present it in a large bowl or platter for a stunning centerpiece on the dinner table.

To elevate the plating, you might consider garnishing with additional cilantro or a lime wedge, which adds a refreshing zing that ties the dish together. Whether you're enjoying it during a casual weeknight dinner or at a festive gathering, these simple touches will make your Asian Noodle Salad visually appealing and utterly delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

→ What can I substitute for rice noodles?

You can use any type of noodles you prefer, like soba noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti if you're looking for a healthier option.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

→ Can I add protein options other than chicken?

Yes! Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp, grilled tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.