Banana Flower Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing
A refreshing Vietnamese salad combining crunchy banana flower petals with tangy lime dressing and crunchy roasted peanuts for texture. This vietnamese-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends lime juice, fish sauce, sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana flower, outer tough layers removed and thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare 1 medium banana flower by removing the outer tough layers until you reach the tender core. Thinly slice the core petals and immediately soak them in water with 1 tbsp lime juice to prevent discoloration.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar until the sugar dissolves to create the dressing.
- Step 3: Drain the banana flower slices and combine them in a large bowl with 1 small julienned carrot, 1 small thinly sliced shallot, 1 small thinly sliced red chili, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves.
- Step 4: Pour the lime dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving to add crunch and nutty flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banana Flower Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Banana Flower Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Banana Flower Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Banana Flower Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Banana Flower Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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