Step 1

Place sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and 1 Tbsp. water in a jar. Cover and shake dressing vigorously until combined and sugar is dissolved.

Step 2

Combine fennel, cucumber, sweet pepper, raw shallot, tomatoes, and herbs in a large bowl; season generously with black pepper. Drizzle ½ cup dressing over and toss salad to combine. Taste and add more dressing if desired.

Step 3

Transfer salad to a platter and top with peanuts and fried shallots.