Asian Vegetarian Banh Mi Salad Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2024)

A delicious, healthy and gluten free take on Asian Classic - Bánh mì. This salad is loaded with fresh crunchy vegetables, lite and gluten free Buckwheat Soba Noodle with Sweet and Spicy Chili-Garlic Dressing! I call it: an Asian Bánh mì experience in a delightful summer salad bowl!

I'm telling you, this salad will change the way you look at traditionalBánh mì sandwich!

By the way, before we dig deeper into this salad. Let me ask you, how was your long weekend?! Had good time? Stayed at home, partied, made good food??

Me??? I did nothing..... honestly, took a GOOD LONG break from blog, watched TV, made good food..... and, and, and, ...... I think... nothing else. :) As much as I missed blogging and socializing, I loved sometime away from work..... Good for a change! Isn't it?

Asian Vegetarian Banh Mi Salad Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (1)

For those who are new to word, Bánh mì. It is a Vietnamese term for all kinds of breads. And "one thing" my Banh Mi Salad does not have is "the bread". Oh boy! What was I thinking!!

A Bánh mì sandwich, which you often order in Asian (Vietnamese) Eateries, is a meat and vegetables filled crusty bread sandwich dressed often in delicious chili-garlic dressing. This bowl of salad offers all those scrumptious flavors in a gluten-free vegetarian salad.

Vegetarian Bánh mìis clearly..... a humble attempt to provide a 'Bánh mì sandwich' experience to all my vegetarian, and gluten free friends! I mean... really... when these days, smoothies can be a healthier version of "Apple Pie" or 'Strawberry Shortcake', why can't we have a healthy version of classic favorites?

Plus it is so fit to enjoy 'Summers in a Salad Bowl'!

Asian Vegetarian Banh Mi Salad Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2)

One key ingredients in this Noodle Salad is "Buckwheat Soba Noodles". I had delicious introduction to buckwheat noodles, last year, in an Asian Eatery in San Francisco. Since then, I never stopped using'em in salads, even soups and stews!

Buckwheat Soba Noodles are gluten free, lite in taste, ready in just 4-5 minutes, and have amazing texture! they just have enough bite to call dish a Pasta dish, yet much much liter than regular wheat or semolina pasta. Even though I'm not gluten free, these noodles has made me (even more) fan of buckwheat.

If you have never tried it, I highly recommend trying some. You will be glad to include it in your diet. (and this is not a paid advertisem*nt). AND I'm giving you this delicious recipe to try it!

Another delicious component in this salad is: Chili-Garlic Dressing!

Garlic, soy sauce, chili paste, and vinegar..... few of basic Asian ingredients make magical and killer delicious salad dressing. Not just pasta or salads, I even use leftover Chili Garlic Dressing in marinades!

Asian Vegetarian Banh Mi Salad Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (3)

It is Gluten Free and can also be made Vegan. To keep the salad complete gluten free, I have used "gluten free" Tamari Soy Sauce. You can find it in Asian or International Products Isle of most Food Stores. If you are not looking for complete gluten free salad, feel free to use regular soy sauce. Just start with less and then adjust per taste.

Only non-vegan ingredient in this salad is "Sambal Chili Paste". Use a vegan chili garlic paste or 1/4 tsp of fresh Thai chili flakes instead for a "vegan" salad.

Asian Vegetarian Banh Mi Salad Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (4)

Friends, all of you who never tasted famous "Banh Mi" just because it only sold as "sandwich" and you don't like carbs or can't eat gluten. Or if your local Vietnamese Eatery does not sell a "vegetarian" Banh Mi ...... your wait is over!! This salad will make you taste, your kind of Banh Mi, in comfort of your own home! How good does that sound?

Even if you love Meat Banh Mi Sandwich and have no problem with gluten...... I'm sure beautiful colors of this salad, with lite soba noodles and sweet 'n' spicy garlic dressing is perfect for summers!

Let's sum up merits of this delicious salads:

1. Ready in just 15 minutes, this Salad will fly from Kitchen to Dinner Table!
2. This hearty salad is loaded with veggies and flavors to beat any Pasta Dinner your family can't live without!
3. Salad is vegetarian, and can be made vegan.
4. Defying it's own name, Banh Mi salad is gluten free and thereby much low in carbs than classic Banh Mi Sandwiches.
5. Make Ahead! To pack for lunch or for dinner party, you can prep all components of this salad a day advance. Make dressing, cut veggies and refrigerate. Cook noodles, assemble and serve!
6. And Did I say, it tastes delicious? ;)

Asian Vegetarian Banh Mi Salad Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (5)

Trust me friends, this salad is delicious colors of summer in a "bowl"! A must try!!

Enjoy and have a great day!

Asian Vegetarian Banh Mi Salad Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2024)

FAQs

What do you eat with banh mi? ›

Bánh mì is like a salad tucked into bread. It's a great one-sandwich meal. But, you could add a side salad to up the health factor. Potato chips or fries are a less healthy option but you could go that route, if you like.

How long does banh mi last in the fridge? ›

Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Can I store the assembled Banh Mi and reheat it later? Banh Mi is best enjoyed fresh, so try not to reheat it if you can help it to keep that bread nice and crunchy.

What is traditionally served with Banh Mi? ›

Accompanying vegetables typically include fresh cucumber slices, cilantro (leaves of the coriander plant) and pickled carrots and white radishes in shredded form (đồ chua). Common condiments include spicy chili sauce, sliced chilis, Maggi seasoning sauce, and mayonnaise.

What is the yellow stuff in Banh Mi? ›

Mayonnaise: Use real mayo. Traditional Vietnamese sandwiches have more of a yellow aioli style mayo used from dark chicken yolks but Hellman's original mayo or salted butter are also great substitutes.

Why does banh mi taste so good? ›

Banh Mi is definitely at the top of the taste pyramid. The sandwich combines a vast variety of tasty flavours to create an exceptional balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. It also has a delightful combination of textures. The bread has a satisfyingly crunchy crust and a tender and delicate centre.

Is banh mi safe to eat in Vietnam? ›

If you see them wash the bowls or plates in tap water and they are still wet when putting your food in it, maybe this isn't the street stall for you. For this very reason, “banh mi” (Vietnamese sandwich) is one the safest street stall foods you can eat because there are no vessels or utensils involved!

Should banh mi be served hot or cold? ›

the perfect make ahead: banh mi can be served hot or cold that's why they are great to make ahead. with the correct bread these things can hold assembled an entire day that's why the crust on the bread is important it keeps it from getting soggy. SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO: SPICY BEEF AND BRUSSEL SPROUT SLAW SANDWICH.

How do you eat a Banh Mi sandwich? ›

In Hanoi, one of the most popular ways to eat the banh mi is to serve it with a small pan of sizzling hot toppings, which explains the name banh mi chao. This is thought to be inherited from the French eating culture, with the banh mi and toppings served separately and eaten with a knife and fork.

Do Vietnamese people eat banh mi? ›

Banh Mi, Pho, and Bun are considered “small meals.” In Vietnam, traditionally only Breakfast is considered the small meal. So most people only eat Banh Mi, Pho, and Bun for Breakfast.

What sauce to eat with banh tet? ›

Usual way is to eat Bánh tét with pickled fish sauce veggies or with the sauce of Vietnamese caramelized pork (thit kho) trust me I love it the usual way too. Something about it being crispy hits.

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