Why You'll Love This Prawn Vietnamese Salad Recipe
Vietnamese cuisine is known for balancing all the key flavours – sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. This Prawn Vietnamese Salad is no exception. With the prawns providing the perfect protein punch and a crispy texture, the fresh herbs and veggies brighten the whole dish. The sweet and tangy dressing ties it all together, leaving you with a refreshing meal that’s both light yet satisfying.
I find myself making this salad year-round – it’s perfect for those hot Australian summer days 🌞 or whenever I’m craving something that’s packed with veggies but also a little indulgent. The crispy prawns, crunchy salad leaves, and vermicelli noodles make it a satisfying meal that feels light but delivers loads of flavour!
Tips for the Best Prawn Vietnamese Salad 🌿🍤
- Use Fresh Herbs: Basil and mint are the stars here. Vietnamese salads are all about the balance of textures and flavours, and these herbs add that fragrant touch that makes the salad pop! Keep them whole for maximum flavour and aroma – no need to chop.
- Opt for Vermicelli Noodles: These fine, delicate rice noodles are perfect for soaking up the tangy dressing while keeping the dish light. When preparing them, be sure to rinse in cold water after cooking to stop them from sticking together.
- Crispy Prawns are Key: I like to use store-bought crispy prawns, but feel free to cook fresh prawns if you’re up for it. Just make sure they’re nice and crispy. If you’re short on time (or energy), air-fried prawns come out golden and crunchy in under 10 minutes. Super easy!
- Homemade Dressing for the Win: This dressing uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry – sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, and fish sauce. It’s sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy, providing the perfect balance to the freshness of the herbs and the richness of the prawns.
- Chill Everything: To really get that refreshing bite, I recommend chilling your noodles, herbs, and prawns slightly before serving. This makes the salad incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This Prawn Vietnamese Salad makes a fantastic light lunch or dinner, especially during the warmer months. If you’re planning a larger meal, it pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine – I love a good Sauvignon Blanc with this dish. 🍷
Want to take it to the next level? Add some crushed peanuts or crispy shallots on top for extra crunch and texture. You can also serve it alongside some fresh summer rolls or prawn dumplings for a full Vietnamese feast. 🌿
Prawn Vietnamese Salad Variations
If you’re loving this Prawn Vietnamese Salad dish, you’ll definitely want to check out these similar fresh and vibrant recipes:
- Chicken and Mango Vietnamese Salad: The sweetness of the mango perfectly balances the zesty lime dressing.
- Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad: Tender slices of beef paired with crunchy veggies and fresh herbs – a great hearty version.
- Vegetarian Vietnamese Salad: Swapping the prawns for tofu or mushrooms makes this a fantastic plant-based option!
These salads are all about the combination of fresh ingredients and simple, bold flavours – perfect for hot weather or when you’re craving something light and refreshing.
Other Recipes You’ll Love 😍🍴
If you’re a fan of this Prawn Vietnamese Salad, you’re in for a treat! Here is another recipe Vietnamese recipe:
Bringing It All Together
I can’t wait for you to try this Prawn Vietnamese Salad at home! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s loaded with texture and flavour, and it’s perfect for both lazy lunches and quick weeknight dinners. With its vibrant colours and fresh ingredients, this salad always looks as good as it tastes. 😋
So, grab those fresh herbs, whip up that dressing, and get ready to enjoy one of the freshest, most delicious salads you’ve ever tasted. And don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation 📸 and share it with me @steph_cooks_stuff on Instagram – I’d love to see how your salad turns out!
Prawn Vietnamese Salad
- Total Time: 23
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey everyone! 🎄👋 I’m super excited to share my latest discovery – a festive, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish perfect for Christmas Eve: the ALDI $25 Crunchy Prawn Vietnamese Style Salad! 🎉🍤
This salad is a real showstopper, and the best part? It only costs $25! Let’s get cooking:
Ingredients
- 2 packets of Crispy Jumbo Prawns
- Fresh Bunch of Basil 🌿
- Aromatic Bunch of Mint 🍃
- Vermicelli Noodles 🍜
- Crisp Mixed Leaf Salad 🥗
For the Dressing:
Instructions
- Noodles: Cook the vermicelli noodles as per the packet instructions, then rinse in cold water to cool down quickly.
- Prawns: Air fry the crunchy prawns for 8 mins at 200°C.
- Salad Prep: Combine salad leaves and whole herb leaves (keeping them whole retains their color and flavor!).
- Dressing: Whisk together the chilli sauce, lime juice, and fish sauce.
- Mix it Up: Add half the dressing to the noodles, and the other half to the salad leaves. Toss each separately to coat well.
- Assemble: Serve the noodles and leaves separately or toss them together – your choice! Top with the crispy prawns.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Keep the prawns crispy by storing them in an airtight container, and toss the salad and dressing together just before serving to keep everything fresh.
If you’re out of vermicelli noodles, rice noodles or even spiralised veggies like zucchini or cucumber can make a great alternative.
If you love heat 🌶️, you can add sliced fresh chilli or a splash of sriracha to the dressing. It’ll kick things up a notch without overpowering the flavours of the salad.