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Refreshing Vietnamese carrot salad

Featured in Crisp garden salads with zingy dressings.

This Vietnamese carrot salad blends zesty lime, savory fish sauce, and crunchy carrots with a sprinkle of peanuts for extra texture.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:45:20 GMT
A vibrant grated carrot salad topped with peanuts and herbs. Pin it
A vibrant grated carrot salad topped with peanuts and herbs. | Tasteofsavor.com

This vibrant Vietnamese carrot salad has become a customer favorite at my Asian bistro. The recipe was inspired by my travels through Vietnam, where I learned to blend flavors with precision. The magic lies in finding the perfect balance between crisp carrots and an aromatic dressing.

A Perfect Harmony of Flavors

This dish transforms ordinary grated carrots into something extraordinary. The fish sauce dressing provides an authentic Asian flair, while crushed peanuts add a delightful crunch. It's an ideal fresh starter that sets the tone for the meal ahead.

Essential Ingredients

  • 400g carrots: Choose fresh, crisp carrots with tops attached
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce: Authentic Vietnamese fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice: Freshly squeezed
  • 3 tablespoons sugar: To balance the flavors
  • 1 tablespoon water: For thinning the dressing
  • 1 garlic clove: Finely minced
  • Chili: A small amount for heat
  • 10 coriander seeds: Crushed to release flavor
  • Peanuts: House-roasted and crushed

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Grate the carrots using a medium grater for ideal texture
  2. Combine fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl
  3. Pour dressing over carrots and toss gently
  4. Let rest for 15 minutes to develop flavors
  5. Top with crushed peanuts just before serving
Une salade de carottes râpées garnie de cacahuètes et de coriandre dans un bol blanc. Pin it
Une salade de carottes râpées garnie de cacahuètes et de coriandre dans un bol blanc. | Tasteofsavor.com

Serving Suggestions

This refreshing salad is served chilled as an appetizing starter. It pairs wonderfully with grilled Asian dishes, aromatic rice bowls, or stir-fried noodles. The combination creates a truly memorable dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Sure! You can prep the dressing and shred the carrots earlier, but wait to mix them together. Save the peanuts for the very last moment so they stay crunchy.
→ Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
Fish sauce adds a distinct flavor, but soy sauce can work as a replacement. The taste will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious.
→ What’s the best way to grate carrots?
A medium grater or food processor with a medium blade works well. They should be thin enough for salads but not too fine to lose their crunch.
→ Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Shredded cabbage or sliced radishes add extra crunch. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro pair perfectly too.
→ Is this salad spicy?
There’s just a mild hint of spice in the recipe, but you can tweak it to your liking by adjusting the chili or leaving it out for a milder flavor.

Vietnamese carrots salad

Crisp and fresh grated carrot salad, spiced up with fish sauce and lime, topped with peanuts for a Vietnamese-inspired twist.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Yield: 4 Servings (1 mixing bowl)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 400 grams of carrots (preferably fresh ones with tops).
02 3 teaspoons of fish sauce (nuoc-mam).
03 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
04 3 teaspoons of sugar.
05 1 tablespoon of water.
06 1 minced garlic clove.
07 A pinch of chili powder.
08 10 crushed coriander seeds.
09 Chopped peanuts (for topping).

Instructions

Step 01

Peel the carrots, rinse them, and grate them using a medium grater.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, stir together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic, chili powder, and crushed coriander seeds.

Step 03

Toss the grated carrots into the bowl with the sauce, mixing well to coat them completely. Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

Step 04

Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top right before serving. Enjoy it cold!

Notes

  1. Best enjoyed cold.
  2. Add the peanuts right before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Vegetable grater.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Fish (fish sauce).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 3 g