Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb and Citrus Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining crisp greens, vibrant herbs, and a tangy citrus dressing evoking the bright flavors of melting snow and spring renewal. This vietnamese-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, loosely packed fresh mint leaves, loosely packed 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 150 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 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber, and 1/2 cup shredded carrot, tossing gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp thinly sliced red chili (optional), and 2 tbsp water until the honey dissolves and dressing is well combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts on top for crunch and serve immediately for a bright, fresh flavor experience.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb and Citrus Salad 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb and Citrus Salad?

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 mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb and Citrus Salad?

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 Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb and Citrus Salad 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.

What goes well with Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb and Citrus Salad?

Vietnamese salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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