Lime-Peanut Shrimp Salad

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

A refreshing salad with plump shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lime-peanut dressing. This asian ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, lime, roasted peanuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together juice from 2 limes, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil to make the dressing.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup julienned carrot, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooled shrimp to the bowl, then pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lime-Peanut Shrimp Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 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 Lime-Peanut Shrimp 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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Peanut Shrimp 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 Lime-Peanut Shrimp Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lime-Peanut Shrimp Salad?

Asian asian 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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