Super Easy Noodle Lettuce Salad – Light, Refreshing & Bursting with Korean Flavors

Looking for a refreshing salad that’s quick, healthy, and full of bold flavors? This super easy noodle lettuce salad combines chewy vermicelli noodles, crisp lettuce, and a tangy-sweet Korean-inspired dressing that’s ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or even a last-minute party addition, this salad is proof that simple ingredients can deliver big taste.

Salads don’t always have to be boring—and this noodle lettuce salad proves just that. Inspired by Korean home-style cooking, it balances spicy gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) with the nutty depth of sesame oil, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness. The chewy glass-like vermicelli noodles soak up every drop of the sauce, while crunchy lettuce adds freshness to every bite. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. This dish is great for meal prep since the noodles and dressing can be prepared ahead of time—just toss with lettuce right before serving for the best texture.


Key Ingredients & Their Roles

  • Vermicelli noodles → Provide a light, chewy base that soaks up the flavorful dressing without feeling heavy.
  • Lettuce → Adds crisp freshness and a cooling balance to the spicy-sweet dressing.
  • Soy sauce → Delivers savory umami depth and ties the flavors together.
  • Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) → Brings a gentle heat and vibrant red color without overpowering the dish.
  • Sesame oil & sesame seeds → Add nuttiness and aroma, giving the salad an unmistakable Korean flair.
  • Rice vinegar → Balances the richness with acidity and brightness.







Super Easy Noodle Lettuce Salad Recipe Details

๐Ÿ“Œ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes (softening noodles) | Total Time: 15 minutes | Cuisine Type: Korean-inspired / Fusion | Calories (Estimate): ~220 kcal per serving | Serving Size: 1 serving


๐Ÿ“ Ingredients:

  • 80 g vermicelli noodles (about 2.8 oz)
  • 100 g lettuce, sliced into bite-sized pieces (about 3.5 oz)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2–3 tbsp water


๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿณ Instructions:

  1. Place vermicelli noodles in a heatproof bowl and pour over boiling water. Let soften for 4–5 minutes, then drain well and set aside.
  2. Wash and slice lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, gochugaru, garlic, sesame seeds, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  4. Add the drained vermicelli noodles and lettuce into the sauce. Toss well until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with extra sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

  • Make it vegan → This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure your soy sauce doesn’t contain added fish products.
  • Swap the greens → Try spinach, cabbage, or rocket (arugula) instead of lettuce for different textures.
  • Add protein → Tofu, shredded chicken, or prawns make it more filling.
  • Meal prep tip → Keep the noodles and dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain lettuce freshness.
  • Spice level → Adjust gochugaru to your taste or swap with chili flakes if you don’t have it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the noodles and sauce in advance, but toss with lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.

Q2: What can I use instead of vermicelli noodles?
Rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti (cooked and cooled) work well.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The lettuce may wilt, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q4: Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Reduce the gochugaru for a milder flavor or add extra for more heat.


Wrap-Up 

This super easy noodle lettuce salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a healthy side dish. I’d love to know how you customize yours! Do you like it extra spicy, or do you prefer adding protein? Share your version in the comments below.

๐Ÿ‘‰ If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Fresh Kimchi (Baechu-geotjeori) recipe for another crisp and zesty Korean side dish.


Keywords (ํ‚ค์›Œ๋“œ)

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