Thai Salad

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my Thai peanut salad recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

Sweet Chili Dressing:

• Honey – I used zero sugar honey for this Thai salad dressing, but any kind works.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a spicy kick and balances out the sweetness. You can substitute with cayenne pepper or chili powder for a similar effect.
• Rice Vinegar – You can substitute white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lime juice if you like.
• Garlic – I used fresh minced garlic cloves, but you could also use 1/2 teaspoon jarred minced garlic for convenience.

I didn’t include any oil in the dressing, but you can add a tablespoon of sesame oil if you like.

VARIATION: Change up the dressing!

• Thai peanut dressing – Simply whisk or blend together 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 3 cloves of crushed garlic, 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce or tamari), 1/2 tablespoon of honey (or my natural sugar-free honey), 1/2 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Adjust the amount of water as needed to thin the creamy peanut dressing to your desired consistency. This is basically a scaled down version of my peanut sauce recipe!
• General Asian inspired – I’ve found that my Asian salad dressing actually works really well on this Thai salad, too.

Thai Salad Ingredients:

• Mixed Greens – You could use arugula, spinach, or other leafy greens.
• Pineapple – For the same tropical flavor, try mango or papaya instead.
• Veggies – I used carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red cabbage for a variety of fresh flavors and textures. You can also add or swap out other crunchy veggies here, like jicama, daikon radish, or snap peas.
• Peanuts – I used roasted peanuts and crushed them, but you can leave them whole if you prefer. Feel free to use other nuts, such as cashews or almonds, replace with sunflower seeds or pepitas for a nut-free option, or omit altogether.

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame Seeds
• Green Onions – Scallions or chives can be a great substitute.
• Fresh Herbs – I like to garnish this salad with fresh cilantro and mint, but you could use Thai basil for a more traditional flavor.

How To Make Thai Salad

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Make the dressing. In saucepan, combine honey, chili flakes, rice vinegar, and garlic. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Combine the salad. In a large bowl, incorporate mixed greens, pineapple, carrots, cucumbers, red bell peppers, and cabbage.

3. Add peanuts. Sprinkle crushed peanuts over salad mixture.
4. Toss together. Drizzle Thai salad with sweet chili dressing. Toss to combine. If desired, add sesame seeds, green onions, cilantro, and/or mint.

Serving Ideas

Thai salad recipes are packed with bold flavors and refreshing ingredients, but choosing the right side dish can take your meal to the next level. Here are some ideas:

• Rice – Rice is a classic Thai accompaniment. Go for steamed jasmine rice, sticky rice, or classic fried rice. For lighter options, try cauliflower rice or cauliflower fried rice.
• Beef – Pair this salad with Asian cuisines like Hunan beef, or slice a grilled sirloin steak and serve over the salad to make it a meal.
• Chicken – Serve pan seared chicken breast or air fryer chicken breast mixed into the salad, or make pan fried chicken thighs on the side. For Asian flavors, try coconut chicken curry or chicken satay.
• Stir Fry – For a quick and easy pairing, make a chicken stir fry, tender beef and broccoli, or even a simple vegetable stir fry.

More Asian Salad Recipes

If you love the fresh and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, you’ll love these delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired salad recipes:

Spicy Kani Salad

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ahi Tuna Salad

Asian Cabbage Salad