No Cook Noodle Salad with a Tangy Dressing

Ingredients

• 3.5 oz dry vermicelli noodles (or mung bean threads, I used 2 bundles)
• 2.5-3 tbsp lemon juice (, from 1/2 large lemon)
• 2-3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp sugar (, feel free to adjust to desired sweetness)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup ( or other liquid sweetener, feel free to adjust to desired sweetness)
• 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• Chopped chili (optional for spice)
• 1 small carrot (thinly sliced or grated)
• 1 small red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 small green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped mint
• Chopped basil
• Pickled radish and carrot
• Pumpkin seeds (or other chopped nuts/seeds of choice (peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc))
• Sliced smoked extra firm tofu
• Shredded cabbage
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Crispy shallots

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Noodles ---

2. 2

   Place the noodles in a large heat proof bowl. Pour in boiling hot water to completely submerge the noodles. Leave the noodles to soak and rehydrate for 8-10 minutes or until cooked and chewy to your liking. The noodles will turn translucent and almost white (but also depending on the type of noodles you use!)

3. 3

   Drain the noodles from the water and then run the noodles through running water. You can add some ice cubes to quickly cool the noodles.

4. 4

   Be sure to strain the noodles well to remove excess water that could water down the salad dressing later on.

5. 5

   --- Dressing ---

6. 6

   Meanwhile, mix all the ingredients together until well incorporated Feel free to adjust the measurements to your taste and add more or less of the sweetener and lemon juice for added sweetness or acidity.

7. 7

   You can also prepare this before hand and store it in the fridge.

8. 8

   --- Assembling the Noodle Salad ---

9. 9

   Prepare a large bowl. Add the noodles, vegetables, protein (if using), nuts/seeds, herbs, and then pour in some of the dressing. Mix everything to coat well.

10. 10

    --- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips ---

11. 11

    This is best enjoyed cold! I like to prepare mine in advance and store it in the fridge for 1-2 hours so the noodles really soak in the flavours of the dressing. The vegetables do lose some of their crunch so you can add vegetables when ready to enjoy.Do note that keeping the noodles in the fridge overnight can cause them to dry up a bit.