Imagine a vibrant, zesty salad that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand with every single bite! This Chopped Thai Shrimp Salad is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines fresh, crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a mind-blowing garlic lime dressing that will make your palate dance with excitement. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or impressive dinner party dish, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and takes just 25 minutes to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Mixed greens
- Carrots, shredded
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red bell pepper, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Lime juice
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them sear nicely in the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and chopped red bell pepper. Toss them together to create a colorful salad base.
- In a small bowl, prepare the garlic lime dressing. Combine the minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. Whisk the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well blended.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked. Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp cool slightly.
- Once the shrimp are cool enough to handle, add them to the bowl with the mixed greens and vegetables. Drizzle the garlic lime dressing over the salad.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the dressing coats the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your Chopped Thai Shrimp Salad with Garlic Lime Dressing!
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Always ensure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp and avoid overcrowding the pan. This guarantees a beautiful sear and prevents steaming.
- Dressing Hack: Prepare the garlic lime dressing a few minutes ahead of time to let the flavors meld together, intensifying the overall taste profile.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest shrimp possible. If using frozen, completely thaw and pat dry to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.
- Make It Ahead: While best served immediately, you can prep vegetables and dressing in advance to make last-minute assembly a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 162kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
