Vietnamese-inspired Caesar Salad

Recipe

Vietnamese-inspired Caesar Salad

Vietnamese Twist on a Classic Caesar Salad

4.4 out of 5

In Vietnamese cuisine, fresh and vibrant flavors are key. This Vietnamese-inspired Caesar Salad takes the traditional American dish and infuses it with the aromatic and zesty elements of Vietnamese cuisine. With a balance of crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a delightful fusion of flavors.

Jan Dec
Salad› Caesar Salad
Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine
Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Vietnamese cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

15 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (omit fish sauce), Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Allergens

Peanuts

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Raw food

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.

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.

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