Description
A vibrant and refreshing Vietnamese style prawn and mango salad featuring tender boiled prawns, sweet ripe mango, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a tangy lime and fish sauce dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer that combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 300 grams fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Prawns: Boil or steam the prawns for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Drain them well and set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes if using. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the dressing is well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked prawns, julienned mango, thinly sliced cucumber, julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season: Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed for your preferred flavor balance.
- Chill: Let the salad rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Optionally, refrigerate before serving for a cooler salad.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors immediately.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked or thawed frozen prawns, but adjust seasoning accordingly.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the chili flakes from the dressing.
- For extra crunch, you can add crushed roasted peanuts as a garnish.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Ensure prawns are fully cooked to avoid any foodborne illnesses.