Banh Mi Salad Recipe | Quick & Easy Vietnamese Inspired

You’re going to love the flavor of this Banh Mi Salad. This simple Vietnamese-inspired Salad is a perfect light meal full of flavor. Fill your salad bowl with this simple recipe! 

I’m all about this simple dish! It’s loaded with fresh herbs and flavor and has the ultimate crunch. This simple bánh mì salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of a banh mi sandwich on a gluten free, low carb, or keto diet.

I am fortunate to live in an area of the US that has dozens of different types of ethnic cuisine within just a few minutes’ drive. My husband and I discovered a great local Vietnamese restaurant about 7 or 8 years ago and have been hooked ever since. I wanted to take those classic flavors and bring them home for an easy salad with simple ingredients than anyone can make.

Don’t miss this Keto Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic or this Zucchini Salad with Lemon & Feta for more deliciously easy recipe!

Ingredients

• Rice vinegar – Adds flavor to the rest of the ingredients. 
• Avocado oil – Used to make a simple dressing. Olive oil works well too.
• Sweetener – Adds sweetness. 
• Salt – Just a bit goes a long way. I choose to use salt since not everyone keeps fish sauce on hand. But if you have some go ahead and add it!
• Garlic clove – Using fresh provides a ton of flavor. 
• Red onion – I like to quarter them and slice them super thin. 
• Shredded cooked chicken – I use chicken thighs for tender and juicy chicken. 
• Shredded cabbage – You can save time by using a coleslaw mix. 
• Seedless cucumber – Slice them thin for the best texture. 
• Jalapeno  – Remove the seeds and slice them thin. 
• Fresh basil – This recipe absolutely needs fresh herbs. Dried will not be the same.
• Fresh cilantro – Make sure to use fresh cilantro.
• Roasted salted peanuts  – Chop and use as a topping. 
• Lime wedges – For serving. 
• Mayo – Add a creamy texture to the aioli.
• Lime juice – Adds a nice citrus flavor to the aioli.
• Garlic salt – Great for enhancing the aioli flavor. 

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Banh Mi Salad

Substitutions

• Sesame oil – This can easily be used in addition the main oil in this dish. It has a strong flavor so just add a tablespoon.
• Green onions – Instead of using red onions, you can slice up a green onion or two and add that. 

Variations

• Add soy sauce – If you don’t want to add salt, you can add soy sauce instead.
• Pickled veggies – To give this salad a boost in flavor, add your favorite pickled veggies instead of raw. Or double the dressing and make it a day ahead. Add your favorite vegetables to it and let them soak overnight.
• Tofu – Swap out the chicken with tofu for a tofu banh mi salad
• Pork Belly – I also think that it tastes great with some pork belly! 

See this Tajin Cucumber Salad for even more fun flavors!

Equipment

To make this salad inspired by a traditional banh mi recipe, you’ll need a medium bowl and a good knife for cutting. The key to getting the texture perfect is to cut the vegetables nice and thin.

Storage

This is one of those recipes that tend to get more flavor as it sits! Once you make this dish, store it in the fridge in an airtight container for a few hours. The flavors will really come through! I recommend eating this within 2-3 days of making it. 

Common Questions

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