Herb Salad with Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Vietnamese-style herb salad combining crisp greens and aromatic herbs with a zesty lime dressing. This Vietnamese-inspired salad recipe (gluten free, vegan), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs romaine lettuce, fresh mint leaves, fresh cilantro leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil, 1 julienned medium carrot, 1 thinly sliced medium cucumber, and 1 thinly sliced red chili if using.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp peanut oil until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the lime dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts over the top just before serving for added crunch and texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb Salad with Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb Salad with Lime Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep romaine lettuce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb Salad with 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 Herb Salad with 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 Herb Salad with Lime Dressing gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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