Thailand’s Best Salad Recipes You Need to Try

Thailand is renowned for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine, especially when it comes to salads. Thai salads are a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and aromatic herbs. If you're looking to add some zest to your meals, here are some of Thailand’s best salad recipes you need to try.

1. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

Som Tum is a classic Thai salad that bursts with freshness and flavor. Made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts, this salad is typically dressed with a mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded green papaya
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar
  • 2-3 Thai bird chilies (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

  1. In a mortar and pestle, pound the chilies and palm sugar together until combined.
  2. Add lime juice and fish sauce, mixing well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine shredded papaya, tomatoes, and green beans.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Top with peanuts before serving.

2. Larb Moo (Spicy Minced Pork Salad)

Larb is a traditional Thai dish that can be made with various proteins, but the minced pork version is a standout. This salad is packed with flavors from lemongrass, lime, and mint, making it a perfect choice for a summer meal.

Ingredients:

  • 400g minced pork
  • 1 tablespoon rice powder
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped
  • 2-3 Thai bird chilies, chopped (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Cook minced pork in a pan over medium heat until fully cooked.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pork with rice powder, fish sauce, lime juice, shallots, mint, lemongrass, and chilies.
  3. Toss gently to combine, and serve warm or at room temperature with sticky rice.

3. Yum Nua (Thai Beef Salad)

Yum Nua is a refreshing salad featuring grilled beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It's a perfect dish for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 300g grilled beef, sliced
  • 1 cup mixed salad greens
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar until dissolved.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced beef.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

4. Yum Woon Sen (Glass Noodle Salad)

This hearty Thai salad features glass noodles, shrimp, and a medley of vegetables. It is naturally gluten-free and serves as a light yet filling meal.

Ingredients:

  • 100g glass noodles
  • 200g cooked shrimp