Author Notes
I put this together on an impossibly hot day during the summer a bit before my aunt, cousin, and her son arrived in Fire Island. It hit the spot being refreshingly cool and filling at the same time. We ate it with some crisp, dry champagne. - testkitchenette —testkitchenette
Test Kitchen Notes
I was excited to test Summer Thai Inspired Salad as I frequently make my own version of this with steak replacing the shrimp and a much simpler dressing. This dressing comes together in a snap in the blender. I added the water in stages to get the right consistency as my mango was very juicy and so just over 1/4 cup of water was all that was needed. Since we like things fiery, I added half a jalapeno left over from the marinade for the veggies. I used arugula and Napa cabbage for my greens, they provided a nice crunchy base for the flavorful marinated veggies, sauteed shrimp (no grill in my city apartment) and sweet, slightly spicy dressing. With minimal cooking and fast easy prep, this is a perfect light meal for a crazy hot summer day. - MGrace —MGrace
Ingredients
- Marinated Vegetables and Dressing
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1 cup
brown rice vinegar
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1/4 cup
honey
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3
garlic cloves, finely chopped
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2
Thai chiles/1 jalapeno, finely chopped
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3
carrots, julienned
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2
zucchini, julienned
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2
red/orange/yellow peppers, julienned
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1/4 cup
freshly squeezed lime juice
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2
peaches or 1 mango, pitted (I peeled the mango but not the peaches)
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1
shallot, peeled
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1/2
avocado
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2 tablespoons
Thai fish sauce
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1 pinch
red pepper flakes
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3/4 cup
water
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1 handful
fresh cilantro
- Salad
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1
head romaine, cut into ribbons
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3-4 handfuls
arugula/spinach/lettuce of your choice
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1 handful
fresh basil, roll into cigar shape and cut thin ribbons
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1 handful
fresh mint, chopped
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1 pound
grilled shrimp or lump crabmeat
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1
peach or mango (chop the peach and julienne the mango)
Directions
- Marinated Vegetables and Dressing
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VEGETABLE MARINADE: Combine the brown rice vinegar through to peppers (first 8 ingredients) in a bowl and let sit for an hour. When ready to assemble the salad, you will be removing the vegetables from the marinade. I usually reserve the marinade, puree it, and use it in dressings over the week.
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DRESSING: Combine in a blender until smooth.
- Salad
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WHOLE SALAD ASSEMBLY: In a large wide bowl, combine the romaine, lettuce of your choice, basil, and mint. Lightly toss the marinated vegetables with the salad ingredients.
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Put the grilled shrimp or crabmeat on top and dress the whole salad with the dressing. Lightly toss and serve.
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