18 Fresh Vietnamese Salad Recipes

I love Vietnamese salads because they are never just an afterthought. They are a main part of the meal, full of crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a dressing that’s perfectly balanced between sour, sweet, salty, and sometimes spicy.

For me, they are the definition of a fresh and satisfying lunch or light dinner. These recipes are my favorites for when I want something that feels bright, healthy, and packed with different textures.

1. Gỏi Gà (Chicken and Cabbage Salad)

Shredded poached chicken with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs like mint and rau răm. A tangy nước chấm dressing ties it all together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 25g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 5g

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2. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and herbs. They are served cool with a peanut hoisin dipping sauce.

Nutrition per serving (2 rolls):

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 2g

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3. Gỏi Đu Đủ (Green Papaya Salad)

Shredded unripe papaya with carrots, herbs, and sometimes dried beef or shrimp. A classic sweet and sour fish sauce dressing is key.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 6g

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4. Gỏi Bưởi (Pomelo Salad)

Juicy segments of pomelo with shredded chicken, shrimp, and toasted coconut. The dressing is light, sweet, and savory.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 4g

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5. Gỏi Xoài (Mango Salad)

Similar to papaya salad but made with strips of green mango. It’s extra tart and crunchy, often topped with roasted peanuts.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 160
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 5g

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6. Gỏi Bò (Beef Salad)

Thinly sliced grilled beef on a bed of onions, herbs, and sometimes banana blossom. A powerful lemongrass dressing coats everything.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 22g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 4g

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7. Gỏi Hến (Baby Clam Salad)

A warm salad with fresh baby clams, onions, and herbs, often served with rice crackers. It’s briny, savory, and aromatic.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 3g

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8. Gỏi Ngó Sen (Lotus Stem Salad)

Crunchy, pickled lotus stems with shrimp and pork. The texture is uniquely crisp and the flavor is sour and refreshing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 6g

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9. Gỏi Cá Trích (Herring Salad)

Marinated herring with shredded coconut, onions, and deep-fried shallots. It’s a rich, sweet, and savory mix from central Vietnam.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 18g
5. Fiber: 4g

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10. Nộm (Vietnamese Style Slaw)

A simple, quick slaw of cabbage and carrots with a fish sauce and lime dressing. It’s a universal side dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 90
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 5g

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11. Gỏi Bắp Cải Tím (Purple Cabbage Salad)

Shredded purple cabbage with chicken or tofu in a ginger-lime dressing. The color is beautiful and it’s very crunchy.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 6g

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12. Gỏi Chay (Vegan Salad)

A fully plant-based salad with tofu, jicama, and mushrooms. It uses a vegetarian “fish sauce” made from soy and pineapple.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 8g

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13. Gỏi Sứa (Jellyfish Salad)

Crisp, chewy jellyfish with pork and fresh vegetables. The texture is the star here, paired with a strong, sour dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 3g

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14. Gỏi Cà Tím (Eggplant Salad)

Grilled eggplant that’s soft and smoky, mixed with herbs and a sweet and sour dressing. It’s served at room temperature.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 150
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 9g

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15. Gỏi Tôm Thịt (Shrimp and Pork Salad)

A substantial salad with boiled shrimp and pork, cucumbers, and pickled vegetables. It’s a common and filling everyday choice.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 270
2. Protein: 24g
3. Carbs: 18g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 4g

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16. Gỏi Bò Tái Chanh (Beef Carpaccio Salad)

Very thin slices of beef quickly “cooked” in lime juice (tái chanh) with onions and herbs. It’s zesty, tender, and light.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 12g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 3g

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17. Gỏi Rong Biển (Seaweed Salad)

Various seaweeds with sesame seeds and a simple soy and rice vinegar dressing. It’s a healthy, mineral-rich side.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 80
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 6g

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18. Gỏi Củ Hủ Dừa (Heart of Palm Salad)

Delicate heart of palm strips with carrots and herbs in a light dressing. It has a mild, artichoke-like flavor and tender crunch.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 120
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 7g

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