Name: Vietnamese Meatball Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484117H23M24S
Total time: PT-484117H23M24S
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: Ground Pork or Chicken: 1 lb (450g); Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped; Fish Sauce: 3 tablespoons; Rice Noodles (optional): 4 oz (115g); Cucumber: 1 medium, thinly sliced; Carrots: 2 medium, julienned; Fresh Herbs (mint, basil, and cilantro): ¼ cup each, chopped; Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons; Peanut Butter (for dressing): 2 tablespoons

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If you’ve been craving something fresh, light, and packed with vibrant flavors, then this Vietnamese Meatball Salad is exactly what you need! Imagine perfectly seasoned meatballs, served with a crunchy mix of fresh veggies and drizzled with a tangy, zesty dressing. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance! Whether you’re looking for a lighter lunch or an impressive appetizer for guests, this salad will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This salad is the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and bright. The meatballs are flavorful but not heavy, while the salad is crisp and refreshing. Plus, the dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of tanginess. It’s healthy, light, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll love how all the textures and flavors come together in this dish!

Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients you’ll need (you can find the full list below):

Ground pork or chicken
Garlic
Fresh cilantro
Fish sauce
Rice noodles (optional)
Cucumber
Carrots
Fresh herbs (mint, basil, and cilantro)
Lime juice
Peanut butter (for the dressing)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by mixing the ground meat with minced garlic, fresh cilantro, fish sauce, a little salt, and pepper. Once everything is combined, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Heat a bit of oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re cooked through. Set them aside to rest while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Now, it’s time to get the fresh veggies ready. Thinly slice the cucumber and julienne the carrots (or use a peeler for nice ribbons). Toss them together in a large bowl along with some fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro. If you like, you can also add some rice noodles for a heartier base.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, a little sugar, and a dollop of peanut butter (this adds a creamy texture and a slight sweetness). You can also add a touch of water if you prefer a thinner dressing. Adjust to taste by adding more lime juice or sugar if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

To serve, place the salad base in a large bowl or platter. Arrange the meatballs on top, and drizzle the dressing all over the salad. Toss everything gently so the meatballs and veggies are coated with that delicious, tangy sauce. Garnish with extra herbs if you like!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now for the best part—dig in! This salad is perfect on its own or served alongside some steamed rice for a fuller meal. It’s light yet flavorful, and the freshness of the veggies combined with the savory meatballs makes for an irresistible combination.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs really make this salad pop. Don’t skip the mint, cilantro, and basil—they give it that authentic Vietnamese flavor.
Meatball Variations: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even beef if you prefer a different flavor profile. Ground pork is traditionally used, but it’s totally up to you.
Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a spicier dressing, add a bit of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, swap the meatballs for veggie patties made from tofu or chickpeas. You could even use tempeh for a more substantial texture.
Different Noodles: While rice noodles are a common addition, you could also try soba noodles or even glass noodles for a different texture.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other fresh veggies like bell peppers, cabbage, or even radishes for extra crunch and color.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Vietnamese Meatball Salad is fantastic on its own, but if you want to make it a more substantial meal, serve it alongside some steamed jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls. A cold, crisp glass of white wine (think Sauvignon Blanc) or an iced tea would be perfect to balance out the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers, store the meatballs and salad separately. The meatballs will keep for about 2-3 days in the fridge, while the salad is best enjoyed fresh (as the veggies can get soggy). You can reheat the meatballs in the microwave or in a pan on low heat.

4 FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. They can also be frozen and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

What other protein can I use for the meatballs?
You can use ground chicken, beef, or even shrimp for the meatballs. Just keep in mind that different proteins may cook at different rates, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I substitute the peanut butter in the dressing?
Yes, if you don’t have peanut butter, you can use almond butter or cashew butter. If you need a nut-free option, try tahini or skip the nut butter entirely and use a little extra sugar for sweetness.

What if I don’t like fish sauce?
If you’re not a fan of fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a slightly different flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!

Conclusion
This Vietnamese Meatball Salad is a total game-changer. It’s refreshing, packed with flavor, and has the perfect balance of textures. The juicy, savory meatballs combined with the crisp veggies and tangy dressing create an unforgettable dish that’s light enough for any occasion but still so satisfying. Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh lunch or looking to impress your guests, this salad will definitely hit the spot!

Vietnamese Meatball Salad

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad, Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Stovetop, Mixing
Cuisine: Vietnamese

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Description

If you’ve been craving something fresh, light, and packed with vibrant flavors, then this Vietnamese Meatball Salad is exactly what you need! Imagine perfectly seasoned meatballs, served with a crunchy mix of fresh veggies and drizzled with a tangy, zesty dressing. Whether you’re looking for a lighter lunch or an impressive appetizer for guests, this salad will hit the spot.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:
Mix the ground meat with minced garlic, cilantro, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about the size of a golf ball). Brown the meatballs on all sides in a pan with oil for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Salad Base:
Thinly slice the cucumber and julienne the carrots. Toss with fresh mint, basil, and cilantro. Optionally, add rice noodles for a heartier base.
Make the Dressing:
Whisk lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and peanut butter in a small bowl. Add water for a thinner consistency if desired.
Assemble the Salad:
Place the salad base in a large bowl or platter. Arrange the meatballs on top and drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently and garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, or alongside steamed rice for a fuller meal.

Notes

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make this salad pop.
Meatball Variations: Try different ground meats such as chicken, turkey, or beef.
Customize the Dressing: Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for extra spice.