There’s something refreshing about a salad that combines delicate sashimi with crisp vegetables and a bright, tangy dressing.
This sashimi salad with fish sauce dressing is light, flavorful, and full of texture.
It’s elegant enough to serve for a special dinner, yet simple enough for a quick, nourishing meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad highlights the natural freshness of sashimi, paired with crunchy vegetables and creamy avocado.
The fish sauce dressing adds the perfect balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
It’s customizable with your favorite seafood, vegetables, and toppings.
The recipe comes together quickly without cooking, making it perfect for busy days.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Sushi-grade fish or seafood ensures the best flavor and safe raw consumption.
Daikon and cucumber provide crispness, while avocado brings creamy balance.
Palm sugar adds a gentle sweetness to the dressing.
Fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili create a bold, tangy-salty dressing.
Optional toppings like crispy salmon skin or seaweed salad add extra texture and umami.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use the sharpest knife possible when slicing sashimi to maintain a clean texture.
Chill all ingredients before assembling for maximum freshness.
Taste the dressing and adjust lime, sugar, or chili to suit your preference.
Assemble just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
How to Make Sashimi Salad with Fish Sauce Dressing
Step 1 – Slice the sashimi
Rinse the fish quickly under cold water, pat dry, and cut into bite-sized rectangular slices against the grain.
Step 2 – Prepare the vegetables
Thinly slice daikon, cucumber, and lettuce.
Cube the avocado and chop cilantro or green onions. Arrange on a plate.
Step 3 – Add sashimi and toppings
Place the sliced sashimi over the vegetables.
Add any toppings like crispy salmon skin, masago, or seaweed salad if desired.
Step 4 – Make the dressing
Whisk together fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, garlic, chili, and cilantro until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 5 – Serve
Enjoy the salad with the dressing on the side for dipping, or drizzle lightly over the top.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with miso soup for a light Japanese-inspired meal.
Serve alongside steamed rice for more substance.
Enjoy with sake, white wine, or green tea for a refreshing combination.
Variations / Substitutions
Use tuna, salmon, or scallops depending on availability.
Replace palm sugar with brown sugar or honey if needed.
Add sea grapes or crispy wonton strips for fun texture.
Make it vegetarian by skipping sashimi and adding tofu or more avocado.
Storage & Leftovers
Best enjoyed fresh immediately after assembling.
If needed, store vegetables and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Do not store leftover sashimi; always consume on the same day for safety.
FAQs
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and dressing in advance, but slice sashimi right before serving.
Can I use frozen fish for sashimi?
Yes, if it’s sushi-grade and properly thawed, frozen fish can be safe to use.
Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on how much Thai chili you add. You can adjust or omit it for a milder flavor.
What fish works best for sashimi salad?
Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, or scallops are all great choices.
Can I replace palm sugar in the dressing?
Yes, brown sugar or honey works well as a substitute.
How do I know if the fish is sushi-grade?
Purchase from a trusted fishmonger or look for packaging labeled “sushi-grade.”
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, substitute sashimi with avocado, tofu, or extra vegetables.
How long can leftovers last?
This salad is best eaten fresh. Vegetables and dressing can be stored separately for up to 1 day, but sashimi should be consumed the same day.
Do I need special tools to make this salad?
No, just a sharp knife for clean sashimi slices and basic kitchen utensils.
What side dishes pair best with sashimi salad?
Miso soup, steamed rice, or seaweed salad are all excellent companions.
Final Thoughts
This sashimi salad with fish sauce dressing is a refreshing, vibrant dish that brings together crisp vegetables, silky sashimi, and a perfectly balanced dressing.
It’s easy to customize, light yet satisfying, and always impressive to serve.
