Thai summer salad

Thai summer salad

Delicious salad version of a spring roll! 

Ingredients

for dressing:
1/2 - 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce
1 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice (should be about one big juicy lime)

for salad:
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 English cucumber, grated
3 oz rice vermicelli (optional)
1 large carrot, grated
1/4-1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
handful of Thai basil, to taste
handful of cilantro, to taste
1/4 - 1/2 cup cashews or peanuts, or to taste

Directions
1. Combine the ingredients for dressing and set aside
2. Sprinkle the salt on the grated cucumber in a sieve over a bowl. Let it sit for 1/2 hour or so.
3. If using vermicelli, cook in salted water for a few minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Transfer to bowl, and toss with 2 tablespoons dressing.
4. Squeeze remaining water out of cucumber, then combine with carrot, ginger (if using), basil, and cilantro.
4. Stir in remaining dressing, to taste.
5. Combine vermicelli and vegetables
6. Sprinkle nuts on top to serve