Name: Pomelo Salad with Noodles (Vegan)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 portions
Ingredients: 1/2 pomelo, (peeled and crumbled); 70 g bean thread vermicelli; 1/2 zucchini, (chopped into short sticks); 2 spring onions, (finely chopped); 1/2 cup peanuts,. (dry roasted and lightly crushed); 3-4 tablespoons cilantro, (finely chopped); Salt and pepper, (try cayenne to taste); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used cold pressed rapeseed); Juice of 1/2 orange; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ginger (grated); 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon maple syrup

This Asian inspired, gluten free Pomelo Salad with Noodles (Vegan) makes a delicious, satisfying lunch. It”s light, nutritious, full of zest and crunch!

Pomelo makes its way to this part of the world once a year around this time and the first thing I do when I bring it home is devour at least half and then proceed to make this simple Pomelo Salad with Noodles (Vegan) with the other half. I was first introduced to this sensational fruit some years ago at a cooking demonstration led by a Vietnamese lady who made a delicious spicy pomelo and prawn salad. I have since learned that pomelo is native to southeastern Asia and is a staple fruit in Vietnamese cuisine.

What is a pomelo

Pomelo is a citrus fruit similar to grapefruit only sweeter, tastier and bigger. The pulp holds its shape quite well which makes it a great ingredient to add to salads for example. Pomelo is not as acidic as grapefruit, which means it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients so you could use a lot of it in one dish. It is sweet and citrussy, with a moderate amount of acidity.

How to prepare a pomelo

Pomelo has a thick rind, but it’s soft and spongy so it peels away easily. Start peeling by cutting off the slightly more pointy end of the pomelo and then score the skin. Remove the membranes inside as well as they are very tough and bitter (this is also easy to do) and only use the pulp.

The pulp of the pomelo is tougher and holds its shape much better than the pulp of other citrus fruits. So it won’t disintegrate as you are removing the membranes and shredding the fruit.

How to choose the right pomelo

When you a shopping for pomelos pick the heaviest fruit to make sure it is very juicy. They can sometimes be a little dry and tough.

How to make Pomelo Salad with Noodles (Vegan)

This Asian inspired vegan, gluten free pomelo salad has a bit of gingery sharpness to it but you can make it as spicy as you like by adding some chilli or cayenne pepper. As today happens to be National Peanut Day I thought I’d add some roasted peanuts to give this salad a bit of crunch.

The salad is very easy to prepare. Start by soaking the bean thread noodles in hot water (as per packaging instructions). Prepare the pomelo (see instructions above). Then once you’ve prepared the other ingredients, i.e. chopped the zucchini, cilantro and spring onions (scallions) combine with the pomelo and noodles. Lastly, make the dressing and pour over the whole thing!

If you decide to make this easy Asian inspired vegan pomelo salad I’d love to know your thoughts, so please get in touch.

More pomelo recipes

Pomelo Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Sauce

Pomelo Quinoa Smoked Salmon Salad

Check out also this collection of 15+ easy vegan salads for even more salad inspiration!

Pomelo salad with boodles, herbs and peanuts in white bowl with chopsticks and orange wedge on wooden table.

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