Thai Basil and Shrimp Salad with Mexican Chili and Mediterranean Feta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A vibrant Thai-inspired salad with shrimp, basil, and a kick of Mexican chili, finished with crumbled Mediterranean feta. This asian-inspired salads (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, Thai basil, red bell pepper 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 290 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shrimp
• 1/2 cup Thai basil
• 1 cup red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add 1 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined) in a single layer, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
2. Step 2: While the shrimp cool, dice 1 cup red bell pepper into 1/2-inch cubes and crumble 1/4 cup feta cheese into small pieces. Place both into a large mixing bowl, then add 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves (torn by hand to preserve texture). Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp chili paste, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil until the mixture becomes glossy and well combined. Tip: If the dressing separates, whisk vigorously or add a teaspoon of water to emulsify.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the shrimp, bell pepper, and feta mixture. Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and the shrimp are fully integrated into the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice or chili paste if desired.