This shrimp Thai-inspired salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish packed with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tender shrimp, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, bursting with bold flavors, and perfect for a quick lunch or an energizing dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days.
• The combination of herbs, citrus, and shrimp delivers a fresh and flavorful bite every time.
• It’s naturally balanced with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
• Perfect for meal prep and stays delicious for days.
• Easily customizable with different herbs or vegetables you already have.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dressing:

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or sesame seed oil
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 2 fresh limes
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 fresh garlic cloves
• 1 serrano pepper, seeded
• 1 cup packed fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro, green onions, parsley, or a mix)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the salad:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 serrano pepper, minced
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small green cabbage, very thinly sliced
• 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens, roughly chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
• 1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the dressing by placing all dressing ingredients into a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and serrano pepper. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and a small pinch of sea salt. Cook, stirring and turning once, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, about 3 minutes.
5. Remove the shrimp from heat and roughly chop them.
6. In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, spinach, carrots, and edamame.
7. Add the cooked shrimp and chopped cashews.
8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as the fresh herbs and greens are meant to stay crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What herbs work best in the dressing?

A mix of mint, basil, cilantro, parsley, and green onions creates the most balanced flavor.

Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild heat from the serrano pepper, but you can reduce or omit it for less spice.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for edamame?

You can use green peas or chickpeas as a substitute.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely, it holds up well and tastes even better after the flavors meld.

Can I add noodles or rice?

Yes, adding rice noodles or jasmine rice can make it more filling.

What oil works best for cooking the shrimp?

Olive oil or avocado oil both work well due to their neutral flavor.

Can I make this salad without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the cashews or replace them with seeds for crunch.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving if preparing far in advance.

Conclusion

This shrimp Thai-inspired salad is a quick, flavorful, and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for a healthy and satisfying dish.

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