Fresh Herb and Shrimp Sticky Rice Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining sticky rice with plump shrimp, lime dressing, and a vibrant mix of fresh herbs. This Lao-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs sticky rice, shrimp, lime into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Lao cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse sticky rice under cold water, then cook according to package directions until tender. Spread cooked rice on a tray to cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt. Heat 1 tsp neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Juice 2 limes into a bowl, then add 1 tbsp fish sauce and 1/2 tsp palm sugar. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Thinly slice 1/2 cup cucumber.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooled sticky rice, cooked shrimp, 1/4 cup mint, 1/4 cup basil, and cucumber slices. Pour dressing over mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fresh Herb and Shrimp Sticky Rice Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fresh Herb and Shrimp Sticky Rice Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sticky rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Herb and Shrimp Sticky Rice Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fresh Herb and Shrimp Sticky Rice Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fresh Herb and Shrimp Sticky Rice Salad?

Lao salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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