Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb Salad with Ginger Lime Dressing

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

A refreshing mix of crisp greens and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty ginger lime dressing, perfect as a light side or starter. This Vietnamese-inspired salad recipe (gluten free, vegan), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs mixed salad greens, 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 120 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 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens with 1/2 cup each of fresh mint and cilantro leaves, and 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, gently tossing to mix.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 medium thinly sliced cucumber and 1 julienned medium carrot to the greens.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil until the honey dissolves and dressing is smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts on top for crunch before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb Salad with Ginger 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb Salad with Ginger 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 mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb Salad with Ginger 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb Salad with Ginger 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Fresh Herb Salad with Ginger 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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