5 Refreshing Thai-Inspired Summer Salads to Beat the Heat

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, there's nothing quite like a refreshing salad to cool you down. Thai-inspired salads offer a tantalizing combination of flavors, textures, and vibrant ingredients that make them perfect for a summer meal. In this article, we'll explore five delicious Thai-inspired salads that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we unveil these refreshing salads.

1. Thai Rice Noodle Salad:

This Thai Rice Noodle Salad is a delightful combination of thin rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty dressing.

Ingredients:

• 200g rice noodles

• 1 cucumber, julienned

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped

For Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 red chili, minced (optional)

Method:

• Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, cilantro, mint leaves, and roasted peanuts.

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced red chili (if using).

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

• Serve chilled and garnish with additional fresh herbs and peanuts if desired.

2. Thai Noodle Salad:

This Thai Noodle Salad is a medley of colorful vegetables, chewy noodles, and a tangy dressing that creates a burst of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 200g rice noodles

• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced

• 1 cup bean sprouts

• 1 cup shredded cabbage

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

For Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Method:

• Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, mixed bell peppers, bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, basil leaves, cilantro, and green onions.

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

• Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

• Serve chilled and garnish with additional herbs if desired.

3. Carrie's Pad Thai Salad:

Carrie's Pad Thai Salad takes the iconic flavors of Pad Thai and transforms them into a refreshing salad bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 200g rice noodles

• 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

• 1 cup bean sprouts

• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage

• ½ cup julienned red bell pepper

• ¼ cup chopped peanuts

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Lime wedges, for serving

For Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 red chili, minced (optional)

Method:

• Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, cooked shrimp, shredded chicken breast, bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, julienned red bell pepper, chopped peanuts, and cilantro.

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced red chili (if using).

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

• Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving.

• Serve chilled with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the salad.

4. Larb Gai Nikki-Style:

Larb Gai Nikki-Style is a zesty Thai salad made with minced chicken, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, offering a burst of tangy and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 500g ground chicken

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon roasted rice powder (optional)

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Thai bird's eye chili, minced (optional)

Method:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and roasted rice powder (if using).

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground chicken, shallot, green onions, mint leaves, cilantro, and minced Thai bird's eye chili (if using).

• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine.

• Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

• Serve at room temperature or chilled.

5. Thai Shrimp, Chicken, Grapefruit, and Coconut Salad:

This vibrant and refreshing salad combines succulent shrimp and chicken with the tanginess of grapefruit and the creaminess of coconut for a tropical delight.

Ingredients:

• 200g cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

• 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented

• 1 cup mixed salad greens

• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges, for serving

For Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons coconut milk

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Method:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, shredded chicken breast, grapefruit segments, mixed salad greens, toasted shredded coconut, and chopped cilantro.

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, coconut milk, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

• Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

• Serve chilled with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the salad.

These five Thai-inspired summer salads are the perfect way to beat the heat and satisfy your cravings for fresh and flavorful meals. Whether you prefer the delicate rice noodles or the zesty combination of herbs and spices, there's a Thai salad to suit every palate. So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and indulge in these refreshing and vibrant Thai-inspired salads to elevate your summer dining experience.