If you’re craving a meal that’s fresh, satisfying, and full of exciting flavors, then Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad is the perfect choice. This dish brings together juicy, savory meatballs, packed with aromatic spices and herbs, all served over a vibrant bed of crisp vegetables. The combination of the meatballs with the refreshing salad gives you a taste of Vietnam’s bold flavors, making it a fantastic meal to brighten any day. Plus, the lightness of the salad makes it a perfect option for those looking for a healthy yet filling dish.

What makes this salad stand out is the incredible balance of textures and tastes. The meatballs themselves are perfectly seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, making them full of deep, savory flavor. They’re paired with fresh veggies like cucumber, carrots, and aromatic herbs, creating a beautiful contrast in every bite. The tangy, lime-infused dressing adds an extra kick, making the dish even more refreshing and vibrant. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, this salad is sure to impress.

One of the best things about this Vietnamese Meatball Salad is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences, such as choosing different herbs like basil or mint, or making the dressing spicier with extra chili. It’s also a great dish for meal prep because it can be made ahead and stored, ready to be served when you need a healthy meal on the go. It’s not just about the delicious taste—it’s also a fun dish to experiment with and customize to your liking.

Why Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad Works

Selling Points:

• Bold, Fresh Flavors: The savory meatballs paired with fresh, crunchy vegetables create an irresistible combination of flavors.
  
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat, flavor profile, and herbs to suit your taste.
  
• Healthy and Balanced: This dish is packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
  
• Quick and Easy: The meatballs are easy to prepare, and the salad can be made in a flash, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
  
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make this salad ahead of time and store the components separately, making it a great option for busy days.
  

What You Need for Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef, if preferred)
  
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped lemongrass (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste)
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  

For the Salad:

• 3 cups mixed salad greens (such as lettuce, arugula, or spinach)
  
• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
  
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
  
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
  

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
  
• 1 small chili, sliced (optional, for heat)
  
• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
• 2 tablespoons water

How to Make Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad

1. Make the meatballs:
   
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
     
   • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
     
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
     
2. Prepare the salad:
   
   • In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, and mint. Toss gently to combine.
     
3. Make the dressing:
   
   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, sliced chili (if using), garlic, and water. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sugar for sweetness or lime for acidity.
     
4. Assemble the salad:
   
   • Divide the salad mixture between plates or bowls. Top with the cooked meatballs and drizzle the dressing over the top.
     
   • Garnish with chopped peanuts (optional) for added crunch and texture.
     
5. Serve and enjoy:
   
   • Toss the salad lightly to coat the meatballs and vegetables in the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Vietnamese-inspired dish!
     

Tips for Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad

• Adjust the flavor profile: If you like your salad spicier, add more sliced chili to the dressing or sprinkle some chili flakes over the salad before serving.
  
• Herb substitutions: If you don’t have fresh mint or cilantro, you can use basil or Thai basil for a different but equally aromatic flavor.
  
• Make it a meal prep dish: You can cook the meatballs and prepare the salad components in advance. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing when you’re ready to eat.
  
• Add some crunch: For extra texture, consider adding roasted cashews or crispy fried shallots on top of the salad.
  
• Use ground chicken or turkey: If you prefer a leaner protein, ground chicken or turkey can be swapped for the pork in the meatballs.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, seasoned with lemongrass and fish sauce alternatives.
  
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you use soy sauce, make sure it’s a gluten-free variety.
  
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or cabbage to the salad for more variety and color.
  

Make It Healthier

• Low Sugar: To make the dressing lower in sugar, you can reduce or omit the sugar altogether and add a little more lime juice or vinegar for balance.
  
• More Fiber: Add extra fiber by incorporating shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw into the salad.
  
• Protein Boost: If you need extra protein, you can add hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of chia seeds on top of the salad.
  

Closing for Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad

This Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad is a delicious and healthy meal that’s full of flavor and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for something quick and light or a dish that’ll wow your guests, this salad is the answer. Its fresh ingredients, savory meatballs, and zesty dressing come together in the perfect balance, providing a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.

This dish is an excellent option for meal prep as well, allowing you to enjoy fresh, healthy meals throughout the week. With so many ways to personalize the flavors to your liking, you’ll find yourself making this again and again. Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, this Vietnamese-inspired salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and salad components in advance. Store the meatballs separately from the salad, and refrigerate them until ready to assemble. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

2. Can I use a different protein for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or beef work well as alternatives to pork in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, you can try plant-based proteins or even baked tofu.

3. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the salad and dressing should be consumed within a day for optimal freshness.

4. Can I add more spice to the dressing?
Yes, if you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili slices or some chili paste to the dressing. You can also top the salad with chili flakes or sriracha for extra heat.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time and freeze it?
The meatballs freeze well, so you can cook them in advance and freeze them for up to 3 months. To serve, simply reheat and assemble the salad when ready to enjoy.

Enjoy making this Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad, and feel free to get creative with your ingredients to match your tastes. This dish is all about balancing flavors, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a quick, delicious, and healthy addition to your meal planning!

Easy Vietnamese Meatball Salad

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef, if preferred)

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped lemongrass (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

• For the Salad:

• 3 cups mixed salad greens (such as lettuce, arugula, or spinach)

• 1 medium cucumber, julienned

• 2 medium carrots, shredded

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

• For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)

• 1 small chili, sliced (optional, for heat)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

• Make the meatballs:
• In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Prepare the salad:
• In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, and mint. Toss gently to combine.
• Make the dressing:
• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, sliced chili (if using), garlic, and water. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sugar for sweetness or lime for acidity.
• Assemble the salad:
• Divide the salad mixture between plates or bowls. Top with the cooked meatballs and drizzle the dressing over the top.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts (optional) for added crunch and texture.
• Serve and enjoy:
• Toss the salad lightly to coat the meatballs and vegetables in the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Vietnamese-inspired dish!