This Vietnamese Bun Salad features rice noodles dressed in a tangy Vietnamese rice vinegar dressing. Serve this vegetarian salad on its own, or top it with a protein like pork, shrimp, or chicken.

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This bun noodle salad is one of my favorites for the warm summer months. Inspired by Bun Bo Xao, it’s a rice noodle salad that’s tossed with lots of fresh herbs and veggies and dressed with a tangy, rice wine vinegar dressing. It’s served cold and is simply delicious!
What’s in Vietnamese Noodle Salad dressing?
- Rice Wine Vinegar
- Fish Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Brown Sugar
- Garlic
- Jalapeno
How to make it
- Cook the noodles (according to package directions).
- Make the dressing – by whisking all ingredients together.
- Toss cooked and cooled noodles with dressing.
- Combine with fresh herbs & veggies.
- Enjoy!
Is Bun Bo Xao vegetarian?
- I made this Vietnamese Noodle Salad vegetarian as written. However, it would also be delicious topped with these curry lime chicken skewers, grilled pork, or shrimp skewers.
Wine Pairings
- A medium-bodied, wine with some good citrus to it makes a great match – try a Sauvignon Blanc or Vinho Verde.
- Rosé is another great option.
More Vietnamese Recipes
- Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Vietnamese Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Chicken Pho Recipe
- Banh Mi Tacos with Grilled Pork
More Asian Salad Recipes
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Vietnamese Bun Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
Dressing:
- 3 Tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 clove garlic (grated or minced)
- 1 jalapeno (minced)
Salad:
- 2 carrots (julienned)
- 1 red pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 cup cilantro (minced)
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup mint leaves
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package directions; rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Toss the noodles with the dressing and vegetables. Top with fresh herbs and chopped peanuts. Serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2023 to add new information. The Vietnamese Noodle Salad recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
This meal was tasty and great for a weekday meal on a hot night!! Need to find a Vietnamese side dish to go with this in order to keep it vegetarian but be filling enough for dinner.
Thanks Jess!
This almost looks like the filling I would make in a rice paper wrap. Sounds delicious! I love a good veggie type bowl – so healthy and delicious.