Thai Shrimp Salad

Thai Shrimp Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and succulent shrimp with a tangy, slightly spicy dressing. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, typical of Thai cuisine. The shrimp add a rich protein element, making this salad both light and satisfying. It’s an ideal dish for a hot day or whenever you’re craving something fresh and flavorful that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or palm sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey or palm sugar, minced garlic, chopped Thai chilies, and sesame oil. Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, cilantro, mint, and basil. Toss to mix the ingredients.
4. Add the shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp to the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the salad for added crunch, if desired. Serve the Thai Shrimp Salad immediately, enjoying it as a light meal or a refreshing starter.

This Thai Shrimp Salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the bold flavors of Thai cuisine in a simple and quick-to-make dish. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes that’s sure to please. Enjoy!