If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious salad that’s perfect for meal prep, this Thai Inspired Shrimp Salad with Creamy Peanut Ginger Dressing is exactly what you need! The base of this salad is fresh cabbage, making it super hearty, while the shrimp adds protein and a delicious savory bite. The creamy peanut ginger dressing is so tasty you’ll want to drink it straight from the jar! Packed with fresh veggies, crunchy peanuts, and the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, this salad is a winner for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Method

Start by preparing the dressing. In a blender, combine the creamy peanut butter, sesame oil, maple syrup, freshly grated ginger (or ground ginger), lime juice, low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and mashed garlic. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if needed. Once it’s perfect, set the dressing aside while you work on the shrimp and the salad.

Next, cook the shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped jalapenos and mashed garlic, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant. Add the raw shrimp to the skillet and sauté them until they are fully cooked and opaque this should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to cool slightly.

While the shrimp are cooking, you can build the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, thinly sliced carrots, green onions, red onion, and fresh mint. Add the chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and flavor. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.

Once the shrimp have cooled down a bit, assemble the salad. Add the cooked shrimp to the top of the salad mixture. Pour the creamy peanut ginger dressing over everything and toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful not to break the shrimp or over-mix the salad, as you want to keep the shrimp whole and the salad’s texture intact.Finally, serve and enjoy! Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture, or store it in the fridge if you prefer to serve it later.

Necessary Tools

Blender for the dressing
Large skillet for cooking shrimp
Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables and peanuts
Large mixing bowl for the salad
Spoon or spatula for tossing the salad
Measuring cups and spoons

Thai Inspired Shrimp Salad with Creamy Peanut Ginger Dressing: A Fresh, Flavorful Twist

Recipe by Troy Jorge

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large jalapeno, seed removed and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lime
3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1/2 cup carrots, sliced thin
1 bunch green onions, finely sliced
1/4 red onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup mint, finely chopped
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Creamy Peanut Ginger Dressing:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp maple syrup
2-inch knob fresh ginger (or 1 tbsp ground ginger)
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 cloves garlic

Directions

Prepare the Dressing: Start by making the creamy peanut ginger dressing. In a blender, add the peanut butter, sesame oil, maple syrup, fresh ginger (or ground ginger), lime juice, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and mashed garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if necessary, then set it aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped jalapenos and mashed garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Sauté the shrimp until fully cooked and opaque (not translucent), which should take about 3-5 minutes. Set the shrimp aside.
Build the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cabbage, thinly sliced carrots, green onions, red onion, mint, and chopped roasted peanuts. Gently toss to combine.
Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked shrimp to the top of the salad, and then pour the creamy peanut ginger dressing over everything. Toss again, gently mixing the salad so all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
Serve and Enjoy: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, or store it in the fridge for later!

Notes

Watch the Shrimp: Make sure you don’t overcook the shrimp. They should be fully pink and opaque, but overcooking can make them rubbery.
Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a thinner dressing, feel free to add a bit more water or lime juice to reach your desired consistency.
Keep the Cabbage Crunchy: Shredded cabbage is hearty and crunchy, but if you’re storing the salad, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Add More Protein: For extra protein, serve the salad with grilled chicken or tofu if you prefer a non-seafood option.
Pair with Rice: You can serve this salad with some steamed jasmine rice or quinoa on the side to make it even more filling.
Make it Spicy: If you like extra heat, add more chopped jalapenos or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing.

Fun Fact

Did you know that peanut butter is not only delicious but also packed with protein? It’s commonly used in many Asian dishes, like satay, where it adds a rich and creamy texture to sauces and dressings!

Conclusion

This Thai-Inspired Shrimp Salad with Creamy Peanut Ginger Dressing is the perfect blend of fresh, crunchy, and creamy! With shrimp, veggies, and a tangy, flavorful dressing, it’s a delicious and satisfying salad that’s great for meal prep, lunch, or dinner. Try it out for a fresh twist on your usual salad it’s a dish that’s both hearty and healthy, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!