Flavorful Thai Salad
This Flavorful Thai Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish packed with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a bold, zesty dressing. With a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, this salad is a great light meal or side dish. You can customize it with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, making it a versatile and healthy option.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cups shredded Napa cabbage (or green cabbage)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cucumber, julienned or sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
¼ cup roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
1 red chili, finely sliced (optional for heat)
1 cup cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu (optional for protein)
For the Thai Dressing:
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan option)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more lime juice for tang, honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness).
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, mint, and sliced red chili (if using).
2. If adding protein, toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients.
2. Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews on top for crunch.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
Cabbage Choice: Napa cabbage is softer, while green cabbage provides more crunch. Use a mix of both for texture.
Make It Vegan: Swap fish sauce for soy sauce or tamari and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Spice Level: Adjust spice by adding or omitting red chili and red pepper flakes.
Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef for a complete meal.
Extra Crunch: Try adding toasted sesame seeds or crispy shallots.
Make-Ahead Tip: Keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A:Yes! Prep the veggies and dressing separately, and toss them together just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What other toppings can I add?
A:Try adding mango slices, avocado, or shredded green papaya for a fun twist.
Can I use a different dressing?
A:A peanut dressing or coconut-lime dressing would also pair well with this salad.
How do I store leftovers?
A:Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, the vegetables may soften over time.
What pairs well with this salad?
A:Serve it with grilled meats, coconut rice, or a Thai-inspired soup like Tom Yum for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Enjoy your Flavorful Thai Salad—a perfect blend of freshness, crunch, and bold flavors!