Easy Yum Woon Sen (Authentic Thai Glass Noodle Salad)

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Feb 27th 2025

Yam Woon Sen (ยำวุ้นเส้น) is a classic Thai salad that’s both refreshing and packed with bold flavors. Made with glass noodles, or 'wun sen', it’s a gluten-free dish that’s a popular street food in Thailand.

The noodles are tossed in a zesty dressing that strikes a perfect balance of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy.

The dish is typically topped with your choice of protein—shrimp, minced pork, or tofu—along with crunchy vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro and mint.

It’s the kind of dish that tingles your taste buds with every bite, making it a satisfying, flavorful, and vibrant salad that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

What You'll Need

• Glass Noodles – Transparent and delicate, Glass Noodles are made from mung bean starch and provide a chewy texture in the salad.
• Lime Juice – Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice adds a zesty, tart flavor to the dressing, giving it a refreshing citrusy tang.
• Fish Sauce – A Key Ingredient in Thai cuisine, Fish Sauce provides a salty and savory depth to the dish, balancing the sweetness and sourness.
• Palm Sugar – A Natural Sweetener derived from the sap of palm trees, Palm Sugar brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the dish.
• Red Bird’s Eye Chilies – These Small, Spicy Chilies pack a lot of heat, adding a sharp, fiery kick to the dish.
• Red Onion – Adding a subtle sharpness and sweetness to the dish.
• Cilantro – Fresh Cilantro leaves bring a burst of herby freshness with a slightly citrusy flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• Chicken or Pork Sausage – A simple, mild-flavored option that blends nicely with the salad.
• Tomatoes – Juicy and slightly tangy, Tomatoes add a fresh, vibrant pop of flavor and color to the salad.
• Ground Pork – Ground Pork provides a savory and tender base to the salad, absorbing the dressing and adding richness.
• Roasted Peanuts – Crunchy and nutty, Roasted Peanuts provide a satisfying texture and a light, earthy flavor to the salad.

Why You’ll Love This Yum Woon Sen (Authentic Thai Glass Noodle Salad Recipe 🩷

• Bursting with Flavor – The perfect balance of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy from the zesty dressing will tingle your taste buds in every bite.
• Customizable – You can easily swap proteins like shrimp, minced pork, or tofu based on your preference.
• Gluten-Free – Made with glass noodles, this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Fresh & Vibrant – Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and crunchy roasted peanuts, this salad is as colorful as it is delicious.
• Light & Refreshing – Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, this salad is refreshing and won’t leave you feeling heavy.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days.
• Street Food Favorite – Enjoy the authentic taste of Thailand’s street food culture right at home.
• Packed with Nutrients – Full of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and peanuts, it’s not only tasty but nutritious too.

How to cook Yum Woon Sen (Authentic Thai Glass Noodle Salad

1. Soak the glass noodles (follow package instructions). Boil for 30 seconds until transparent, then drain and set aside to cool.
2. Cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces and boil until cooked. Drain and set aside.
3. Slice shallots, chop cilantro, and cut tomatoes into wedges.
4. Mix lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, white sugar, and bird’s eye chilies. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning.
5. Cook minced pork in a skillet with a little water until fully cooked. Let it cool.
6. Combine noodles, pork, sausage, and veggies in a bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
7. Top with roasted or stir-fried peanuts.

Glass noodles are often considered a good choice for those trying to lose weight. While they aren’t exactly “healthy” (they’re still primarily carbs!), they can absorb more water than rice or wheat noodles. This means that in any given serving, you’re getting fewer carbs because a large portion of the noodles is just water!

If you really enjoy the texture of glass noodles, here are some recipes you can try: Bacon Baked Glass Noodles and Stir-Fried Glass Noodles.