Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!

❤️ Why you’ll love it

I love how the simple ingredients in this yum woon sen salad come together to form a flavor-packed dish. The combination of soft glass noodles, crunchy vegetables, and the sweet, salty, and tangy dressing is just irresistible.

Glass noodles in this recipe are unique and also naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. This is a traditional ingredient in Thai cuisine that is made from mung bean starch, so it is completely plant-based.

The dressing for this salad is also a standout element. It is sweet and salty but rich and aromatic at the same time, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. This not only adds great flavor to the salad but also helps to bring all the ingredients together for a cohesive dish.

🧾 Key ingredients

This vegan yum woon sen is a delicious, light, and fresh Thai noodle salad. It’s a perfect dish for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal.

Glass noodles are the star of this dish. They are gluten-free and have a unique, slippery texture that is perfect for soaking up the delicious flavors of the dressing.

Onion and tomatoes add a refreshing crunch to the salad. They also bring a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the dish.

Garlic and red chilies are the key to the dressing. They add a spicy kick and a burst of flavor that is essential to this dish.

Dry roasted peanuts add a delicious crunch and a nutty flavor that compliments the other ingredients well.

Fresh cilantro is the perfect finishing touch for this dish. It adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh, herby flavor.

Lime juice is a key ingredient in the dressing. It adds a tangy, citrusy flavor that brings all the other flavors together.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

For this yum woon sen recipe, a good quality frying pan is crucial. It is used to dry roast the peanuts, which brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Soak the glass noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are ready, drain the water, but remember to keep a bit of the cooking water.

STEP 2
Peel the onion and slice it thinly. Do the same with the garlic. Wash the chili peppers and slice them.

STEP 3
If you have raw peanuts, dry roast them in a frying pan without oil. Remember to shake the pan or use a spatula to stir them frequently.

STEP 4
Wash the celery stalks and slice them into thin, matchstick-like pieces (julienne style).

STEP 5
Wash the tomatoes and slice them. You can discard the seeds for a nicer finish.

STEP 6
Separately, prepare the dressing for the salad by mixing soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), freshly squeezed lime juice, and your choice of sugar.

Making the yum woon sen

STEP 1
In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced tomato, julienned celery, and cilantro leaves and stems. Gently mix these ingredients.

STEP 2
Add the cooked glass noodles to the bowl and stir to combine.

STEP 3
Pour the pre-mixed salad dressing and some of the pasta water into the bowl. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

STEP 4
Add the dry-roasted peanuts and slices of chili to the bowl. Stir well to distribute these ingredients evenly. Your yum woon sen is now ready to be served.

💡 Expert tip

For the best yum woon sen, prepare the glass noodles following the package instructions. Do not overcook them, especially if you plan to store the salad for later. The noodles will continue to soften slightly as they sit in the dressing, and you want them to remain slightly firm for the perfect texture.

🔄 Variations

Add some color and crunch with carrots. They will complement the other vegetables in the salad and provide a satisfying crunch.

Incorporate a refreshing element with cucumber. The cool, crisp texture of the cucumber will contrast nicely with the soft glass noodles and add a fresh flavor to the dish.

If you enjoy a bit of heat in your food, consider adding bell peppers. They come in various colors, each adding a different flavor to the salad, and they will contribute to the texture with their crunchiness.

Purple cabbage can be a great addition if you don’t go overboard. It will not only add a pop of color but also a satisfying crunch and a slightly peppery flavor.

🥣 Serving ideas

Yum woon sen is a versatile Thai dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a perfect side dish for a variety of main courses. I love serving it with a spicy Thai curry or a delicious stir-fry.

It also makes a great addition to a salad. You can serve it on a bed of fresh greens, such as lettuce or spinach, for a light and refreshing meal.

If you want to make a complete meal out of it, consider adding some protein. Crispy tofu or tempeh is a great option for a vegan meal. If you are not vegan, you can also add some cooked shrimp or chicken.

❄️ Storing tips

This refreshing Thai glass noodle salad is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of the ingredients.

However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the noodles and vegetables may become soggy as they continue to marinate in the dressing.

I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture of the vegetables and noodles will be compromised once they are thawed, resulting in a less-than-desirable consistency. This is especially true for the glass noodles, which are best enjoyed fresh and tender.

THANK YOU so much for visiting our website. Please comment below if you have tried this recipe. We LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, please don’t forget to give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ RATING. We appreciate all of our readers.