Laotian-Inspired Sticky Rice Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs

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

A refreshing salad featuring sticky rice tossed with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime dressing that bursts with Southeast Asian flavors. This thai-inspired salads (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs glutinous sticky rice, water, medium, diced cucumber 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 280 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup glutinous sticky rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a rice cooker or pot and steam or cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until tender and sticky, then fluff and allow to cool to room temperature.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 diced cucumber, 1 small shredded carrot, 3 thinly sliced green onions, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes until sugar dissolves.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooled sticky rice to the vegetable and herb mixture, pour the lime dressing over, and gently toss to combine evenly.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts on top for crunch.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Laotian-Inspired Sticky Rice Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Laotian-Inspired Sticky Rice Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs?

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 glutinous sticky rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Laotian-Inspired Sticky Rice Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs?

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 Laotian-Inspired Sticky Rice Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs 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 Laotian-Inspired Sticky Rice Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs gluten free?

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

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