Thai Shrimp and Cabbage Salad

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

A zesty Thai-inspired salad with crisp shredded cabbage, succulent shrimp, and a spicy lime dressing for bold flavor. This thai-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs shredded cabbage, carrots, shrimp 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 280 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and peanuts. Toss to coat with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Add to the bowl with cabbage mixture.
  3. Step 3: Whisk lime juice, soy sauce, chili flakes, and remaining olive oil until emulsified. Pour over salad, then toss to combine. Garnish with cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai Shrimp and Cabbage Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Thai Shrimp and Cabbage 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 shredded cabbage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Shrimp and Cabbage 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 Thai Shrimp and Cabbage 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 Thai Shrimp and Cabbage Salad?

Thai 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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