Thai Shrimp Salad
An Applebees inspired Thai Shrimp Salad
An Applebees inspired Thai Shrimp Salad
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/8 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- wonton strips
- 1 package asian blend chopped salad (i like dole)
- 3 cups kale
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or peanuts
- optional: sesame seeds additional cilantro
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk
- 3/4 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 2-3 drops hot sauce (optional)
- Carbohydrate 26.8769581861453 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 7.27001692141763 g
- Fiber 4.37074806407536 g
- Protein 8.02996528318853 g
- Saturated Fat 1.79588499880907 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (330g)
- Sodium 79.8972779850191 mg
- Sugar 22.50621012207 g
- Trans Fat 0.567077734023798 g
- Calories 182 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water for a minute and then toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on the tray and bake for about 5 minutes or until just pink, firmed, and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Remove the packaging for the Asian chopped salad and pour into a large bowl.
- Thoroughly wash and scrub the kale. Chop into very small pieces and toss with the chopped salad.
- Add in the red pepper (remove seeds and slice thinly), shredded carrots, and almonds or peanuts.
My Delicious Thai Shrimp Salad Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list. So, when I stumbled upon a recipe for a Thai Shrimp Salad – inspired by Applebee's, no less – I knew I had to give it a try. The idea of a quick, flavorful, and relatively healthy dinner that didn't require hours in the kitchen was simply too tempting to resist.
The recipe itself was surprisingly straightforward. The shrimp baked beautifully – a much healthier alternative to frying – and the vibrant colors of the salad were incredibly appealing. I loved the way the sweet and savory flavors of the dressing complemented the crispness of the vegetables and the delicate taste of the shrimp. The whole process, from start to finish, took less than 30 minutes, which is a huge win in my book. It was a delicious change of pace from our usual weeknight routine, and even my picky eaters devoured it without complaint.
This salad became a weeknight staple almost immediately. It's incredibly versatile, too. I’ve experimented with different vegetables based on what's fresh at the market – sometimes adding edamame or bell peppers in various colors. One time, I even threw in some leftover grilled chicken for extra protein. The beauty of this salad is its adaptability; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
The delightful crunch of the almonds or peanuts, combined with the fresh, zesty lime juice, was a welcome contrast to the tender shrimp. The dressing was perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too spicy – and coated the salad beautifully. I found myself craving this salad frequently. It's the perfect combination of satisfying and light, and a welcome break from heavier meals. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, which is always a plus in our house.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this Thai Shrimp Salad has become a symbol of my commitment to finding moments of joy and nourishment amidst the chaos of daily life. It's a small act of self-care that reminds me that even amidst the whirlwind of motherhood and career, there's still time for delicious, healthy meals that nourish both body and soul.
Here are some tips for making this salad even more special:
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, add a few more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Get creative with the nuts: Cashews or macadamia nuts would also be delicious in this salad.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the salad over quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.
- Prep ahead: You can chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
- Embrace imperfection: Don't stress about getting the measurements exactly right. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
This Thai Shrimp Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a reminder that even amidst the busyness of life, there's always time for a little self-care and delicious, healthy food. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights – or any night, for that matter! It's the type of meal that makes you feel good, both inside and out. It's simple, it's adaptable, and it's incredibly satisfying. So give it a try and experience the joy of a flavorful, healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
