Craving a salad that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand? Look no further! This Thai Salad is not just a dish; it's a symphony of fresh, zesty, and crunchy ingredients that will revolutionize your understanding of salads. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that balances sweet, sour, and savory notes, guaranteed to make your mouth water and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare all fresh ingredients by washing the mixed salad greens thoroughly under cold running water and spinning or patting dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Shred the carrots using a box grater or food processor, ensuring uniform thin strips for even distribution in the salad.
- Slice the cucumber into thin, half-moon shapes using a sharp knife, maintaining consistent thickness for better presentation.
- Finely chop the fresh cilantro, discarding the tough stems and keeping only the tender leaves and soft stems.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, whisking vigorously until the sugar completely dissolves and creates a balanced dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base, then strategically add shredded carrots and cucumber slices on top.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro evenly across the salad for aromatic freshness.
- Roughly chop the peanuts and scatter them over the salad for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating with the dressing and serve immediately.
Tips
- Freshness is key: Always use the freshest ingredients possible. Crisp greens and recently purchased vegetables will elevate the entire dish.
- Dressing technique: Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Timing matters: Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness and prevent wilting.
- Customize your crunch: Feel free to substitute peanuts with cashews or toasted sesame seeds for a different texture.
- Temperature tip: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
- Protein boost: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform this salad into a complete main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg