Vietnamese-Inspired Shrimp Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs

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

A refreshing Whole30-friendly shrimp salad bursting with bright lime dressing, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant fresh herbs, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This vietnamese-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 6 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sauté in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes until combined.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 julienned large carrot, 1 thinly sliced medium cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked shrimp to the salad bowl and drizzle with the lime dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Shrimp Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Shrimp 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Shrimp 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Shrimp 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Shrimp Salad with Lime and Fresh Herbs whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy 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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