Vietnamese-inspired Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original Caesar Salad typically includes romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing, this Vietnamese adaptation incorporates Vietnamese herbs, such as mint and cilantro, along with the addition of pickled vegetables for a tangy twist. The dressing is also lighter and more refreshing, featuring lime juice and fish sauce instead of the traditional creamy Caesar dressing. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (120g) mixed salad greens 4 cups (120g) mixed salad greens
• 1 cup (150g) pickled carrots and daikon radish 1 cup (150g) pickled carrots and daikon radish
• 1 cup (30g) fresh mint leaves 1 cup (30g) fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup (30g) fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup (30g) fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup (30g) fresh Thai basil leaves 1 cup (30g) fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 cup (30g) roasted peanuts, crushed 1 cup (30g) roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1 cup (100g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (100g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (50g) crispy fried shallots 1/2 cup (50g) crispy fried shallots
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, pickled carrots and daikon radish, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, Thai basil leaves, crushed peanuts, cherry tomatoes, and crispy fried shallots.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pickled carrots and daikon radish — If you can't find pre-made pickled vegetables, you can make your own by thinly slicing carrots and daikon radish, then marinating them in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least 1 hour.
• Crispy fried shallots — To make crispy fried shallots, thinly slice shallots and deep fry them in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Thai basil leaves — If you can't find Thai basil, regular basil can be used as a substitute.
• Fish sauce — For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the salad before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add some thinly sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
• To make it a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.
• If you're not a fan of peanuts, you can substitute them with cashews or almonds.
• Make sure to toss the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-inspired Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. Garnish with extra herbs and crushed peanuts for an added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter or individual plates, making sure to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and herbs. Drizzle some extra dressing over the top and sprinkle with additional crispy fried shallots for an attractive presentation.