Nộm Hến
Nộm Hến is a refreshing Vietnamese salad made with tiny clams and vibrant vegetables, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures. This Paleo-friendly dish is perfect as a light side or appetizer, celebrating the essence of fresh ingredients.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Vietnamese
150 kcal
Ingredients
- Small clams (hến) - 200 grams
- Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
- Cucumber - 1 small, julienned
- Red bell pepper - 1 small, thinly sliced
- Fresh mint leaves - 30 grams, chopped
- Fresh cilantro - 30 grams, chopped
- Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
- Fish sauce - 1 tablespoon
- Coconut sugar - 1 teaspoon
- Chili pepper - 1 small, finely chopped (optional)
- Garlic - 1 clove, minced
- Black pepper - to taste
Steps
- Rinse the clams under cold water to remove any sand or dirt.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the clams. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they open up. Discard any that do not open.
- Remove the clams from the pot and let them cool. Once cool, remove the clam meat from the shells and chop if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned carrot, cucumber, and sliced red bell pepper.
- Add the chopped mint, cilantro, and cooked clams to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, coconut sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili pepper (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine. Season with black pepper to taste.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Total Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Water: 0.3 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein and low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs.
Tags
VietnamesePaleoSide Dish