If you’re on the lookout for a dish bursting with fresh, tangy, and vibrant flavors, this Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe should be your next go-to. Imagine juicy prawns mingling with sweet mango, crisp veggies, and a lively lime-fish sauce dressing that dances on your taste buds. It’s light yet packed with texture and flavor, making it perfect for warm days when you want something refreshing but satisfying. Once you try it, this salad will become one of your favorite quick meals or impressive appetizers to share with friends and family.

Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Together, they bring freshness, crunch, sweetness, and tanginess that make this salad truly unforgettable.

1 lb (450g) cooked prawns, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and juicy, providing a savory punch and healthy protein.
1 ripe mango, julienned or thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a tropical touch to balance the savory prawns perfectly.
1 cup shredded carrots: Brings a satisfying crunch as well as vibrant color to brighten the salad.
1/2 cucumber, julienned (seeds removed): Offers cooling crispness, which keeps the salad refreshing and light.
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness that layers flavor without overpowering.
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves: Infuses the salad with a fragrant, herbal brightness that elevates every bite.
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves: Gives a burst of herby freshness synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine.
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional): Provides a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft prawns and mango.
For the dressing:
3 tbsp fish sauce: Key to the dressing’s umami depth, it balances all other flavors exquisitely.
2 tbsp lime juice: Packs a zesty tang that wakes up the palate.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds gentle acidity for balance and brightness.
1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar: Sweetens the dressing just enough to harmonize the salty and sour.
1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the dressing with a savory punch and aroma.
1 red chili, finely sliced (adjust to heat preference): Gives a subtle spicy kick—feel free to tame or intensify it depending on your love for heat.

How to Make Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sliced red chili in a small bowl. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved to avoid any graininess. This dressing is the heart of the salad, imparting that signature Vietnamese balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked prawns, julienned mango, shredded carrots, cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. This mix will already look colorful and inviting before you even add the herbs.

Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs

Drop in the fresh mint and cilantro leaves. These herbs bring a fresh, herbal lift that makes every mouthful exciting and brightens the overall flavor profile, a true hallmark of this Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring everything is coated evenly without bruising the delicate ingredients. The goal is to marry all the flavors perfectly without losing the crisp textures.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your salad onto a serving platter and sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the top if using. This extra crunch and nuttiness add a wonderful texture contrast and depth that make the dish truly special. Enjoy immediately for the best crunch and bright flavor.

How to Serve Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes with this salad. Fresh herbs like extra mint or cilantro leaves add visual appeal and an aromatic boost. Roasted peanuts sprinkled on top give delightful crunch and richness. For a touch more zing, add thin slices of fresh red chili or a wedge of lime for guests to squeeze over.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a bowl of fragrant Vietnamese pho for a well-rounded meal. Light grilled meats or seafood also complement the fresh zestiness of this salad. It’s an excellent choice alongside crispy spring rolls if you want a full Vietnamese-themed feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual lettuce cups for a fun, finger-food experience at parties. Or layer it in clear glass jars or bowls to showcase the colorful layers, turning the dining experience into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. You can also add a few fresh edible flowers for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Because this salad is made of fresh vegetables and cooked prawns, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will negatively affect the texture of the mango, cucumber, and herbs, leaving the salad soggy when defrosted.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and cold. Reheating is not advised as it will compromise the delicate balance of fresh, crisp ingredients and herbs that define the Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use raw prawns instead of cooked?

Raw prawns will need to be cooked before adding them to the salad. Simply poach or sauté them until pink and opaque, then cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients to keep the salad fresh and safe to eat.

What if I can’t find fish sauce?

Fish sauce is a key component for authentic flavor, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a little extra lime juice. Keep in mind it will change the flavor profile slightly but still deliver a tasty salad.

Can I replace mango with another fruit?

While mango is traditional and adds wonderful sweetness, you can experiment with papaya or even pineapple for a different tropical twist. Just be mindful of the texture because it affects the salad’s overall crunch and mouthfeel.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! This Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure your fish sauce brand is gluten-free for complete peace of mind.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level depends on how much chili you add. Feel free to adjust the red chili slices according to your tolerance, or leave them out entirely for a mild, family-friendly version without losing the signature flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Vietnamese Style Prawn and Mango Salad Recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that’s so simple to make yet will wow everyone at your table. Its bright colors and refreshing taste make it perfect for any season, especially when you want something lift-your-spirit light but full of personality. Give it a try soon—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!