A Beginner's Guide to Vietnamese Salad Recipes

Vietnamese salads are a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and healthy elements that make them a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light meal. They are often packed with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes proteins, making them not only delicious but also nutritious. This guide will cover some classic Vietnamese salad recipes that are easy to prepare at home.

1. Vietnamese Green Mango Salad (Gỏi Xoài)

This salad is a refreshing combination of green mango, shrimp, and herbs. It features the crunchiness of mango and the sweetness of shrimp, balanced by a tangy dressing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large green mango, julienned
  • 200g cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, crushed
  • For the dressing: 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon sugar, and chili flakes to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the green mango, shrimp, carrot, and fresh herbs.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing until well combined.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  4. Top with crushed peanuts before serving.

2. Vietnamese Papaya Salad (Gỏi Đu Đủ)

This papaya salad is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and brings together sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Combining shredded green papaya with other fresh ingredients makes for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small green papaya, peeled and shredded
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 100g beef jerky or grilled pork (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (mint, basil)
  • For the dressing: 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and finely chopped chilies to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine shredded papaya, carrot, and any proteins you are using.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

3. Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

This chicken salad features a fragrant mix of herbs and vegetables tossed together to create a healthy and satisfying dish. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 200g cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
  • For the dressing: 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, and herbs.
  2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients until fully combined.
  3. Pour over the salad and toss gently to mix.
  4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

4. Vietnamese Noodle Salad (Bún)

This noodle salad combines rice noodles with various toppings and a flavorful dressing, creating a filling yet light dish.

Ingredients:

  • 200g rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • Fresh vegetables (cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts)
  • Protein of your choice (grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
  • Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
  • For the dressing: 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon sugar, and chili flakes

Instructions:

  1. Arrange the cooked noodles in a serving bowl.
  2. Top with fresh vegetables, your choice of protein, and herbs.
  3. Whisk together the dressing and pour it over the salad just before serving.
  4. Toss well to combine.

These Vietnamese salad