Top 10 Vietnamese Salads You Should Try at Least Once

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh, vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, with salads playing a significant role in it. From simple dishes to more intricate recipes, Vietnamese salads tempt the palate with their unique combinations. Here are the top 10 Vietnamese salads you should try at least once:

1. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

While often considered an appetizer, Gỏi Cuốn can double as a salad. These fresh spring rolls are packed with shrimp, herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli noodles, all wrapped in rice paper. Dip them in a sweet and savory hoisin-peanut sauce for an unforgettable taste.

2. Gỏi Đu Đủ (Green Papaya Salad)

Gỏi Đu Đủ features shredded green papaya mixed with carrots, herbs, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. Often garnished with crushed peanuts and dried beef or shrimp, this salad is crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for any meal.

3. Gỏi Bò (Beef Salad)

Gỏi Bò is a hearty salad combining marinated grilled beef, fresh greens, and assorted herbs. A lime and fish sauce dressing adds zest, making it a favorite among meat lovers. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

4. Gỏi Ngó Sen (Lotus Stem Salad)

This unique salad is made with crunchy lotus stems, carrots, and herbs, often tossed with shrimp or pork and dressed in a light vinaigrette. Gỏi Ngó Sen offers a refreshing crunch that is both nourishing and flavorful.

5. Gỏi Xoài (Green Mango Salad)

Green mango salad, or Gỏi Xoài, combines shredded unripe mango with fresh herbs, peanuts, and often grilled chicken or pork. The sweet, sour, and salty flavors make for a delightful tropical taste sensation.

6. Gỏi Tôm (Shrimp Salad)

Gỏi Tôm features poached shrimp tossed with a variety of vegetables such as cucumbers and lettuce, drizzled with a zesty lime dressing. It's light and refreshing, making it an excellent dish for a hot day.

7. Gỏi Hải Sản (Seafood Salad)

This salad is a seafood lover's dream. It includes an assortment of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, squid, and fish, paired with vibrant vegetables and herbs. Tossed in a lemongrass and lime dressing, this salad is a burst of flavors and textures.

8. Gỏi Sứa (Jellyfish Salad)

For the more adventurous palate, Gỏi Sứa offers a unique texture with tender jellyfish marinated in a light fish sauce, rice vinegar, and tossed with fresh herbs and vegetables. It's a refreshing dish perfect for summer.

9. Gỏi Đậu Hũ (Tofu Salad)

Gỏi Đậu Hũ caters to vegetarian and vegan diners. Featuring crispy fried tofu, mixed greens, and a variety of herbs, it’s topped with a spicy dressing made from chili, lime, and fish sauce. It’s a fulfilling salad that does not compromise on flavor.

10. Gỏi Dưa Leo (Cucumber Salad)

This simple yet flavorful salad showcases thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in garlic, chili, and vinegar. It can be a refreshing side to a heavier meal and is perfect for balancing richer flavors.

Each Vietnamese salad offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that reflects the country's culinary diversity. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish, these salads are a must-try for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine.