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Refreshing Vietnamese carrot salad

Kitchen Spotlight 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.
alicia in the kitchen
Recipe by Alicia
Fresh from the kitchen: Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:45:20 GMT
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A vibrant grated carrot salad topped with peanuts and herbs. Save for Later
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. Save for Later
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.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

→ 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 mins
Time at the Stove
~
Total Time
20 mins
Recipe by: Alicia

Type of Dish: Salads

Skill Level: Beginner Friendly

Style of Cooking: Vietnamese

Makes: 4 Feeds (1 mixing bowl)

Good for: Low Carb, No Gluten, No Dairy

Shopping List

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

Let's Cook

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!

Cook's Tips

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

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Vegetable grater.
  • Mixing bowl.

Watch Out For

Your safety matters - check these important notes about ingredients
  • Peanuts.
  • Fish (fish sauce).

Good to Know (Per Serving)

Numbers are approximate - your results may vary based on specific ingredients used
  • Calories per Serving: 120
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbs: 15 g
  • Protein: 3 g