Inspired by an Applebee’s menu favorite, this Thai Shrimp Salad combines grilled shrimp, fresh edamame, crunchy almonds, and crispy wonton strips under a dressing of spicy-sweet Thai peanut sauce and a bright chili-lime vinaigrette for a light summer feast.
When Mr B and I were on the road last month, we stopped in at Applebee’s for lunch, and I ordered their Thai Shrimp Salad – which immediately became my newest favorite thing to eat. It’s absolutely delicious – and a great pick if you happen to be trying to eat light and healthy, too. So of course I had to run home and figure out how to make it!
My Thai Shrimp Salad Applebee’s copycat recipe makes a wonderfully satisfying meal that can be ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!
There are four basic components to this salad: The Salad Base, the Shrimp, the Chili-Lime Dressing, and the Peanut Sauce – and each one is super-easy to throw together.
Thai Shrimp Salad {Applebee's Copycat}
Ingredients
Pan-fried Shrimp
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 8 ounces raw shrimp peeled & deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder [**See Note]
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne [**See Note]
Salad
- 1/2 head Napa or Savory cabbage chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach coarsely chopped
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 medium carrots peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup shelled edamame
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted
- Wonton Strips
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (reserve some uncut for garnish)
- 1 batch Chili Lime Vinaigrette (Recipe Below)
- 1 batch Sweet & Spicy Peanut Sauce (Recipe Below)
Instructions
Prepare Pan-fried Shrimp
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In a large self-sealing plastic bag, combine shrimp, minced garlic, chili powder, and cayenne. Toss until shrimp are evenly coated with the spice mix.
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Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium high heat. Melt olive oil and butter and swirl to coat the bottom the the skillet. Add shrimp in a single layer. (Do not crowd in pan.) Pan-fry about 2 minutes, then turn and fry until shrimp become pink all the way through and slightly firm, about 2-3 minutes. Do not over cook! Carefully remove from skillet and set aside.
Assemble Salad
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Layer or toss cabbages, spinach, carrots, edamame, green onions, and sliced almonds, wonton strips, and cilantro in bowl. Serve with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette and Sweet & Spicy Peanut Sauce. Garnish with additional cilantro and wonton strips.
Recipe Notes
** I substitute in 1 teaspoon of my Spicy Skillet Dry Rub for the chili powder and cayenne.
1 serving {with 2 T Chili-Lime Vinaigrette & 2 T Sweet & Spicy Peanut Sauce} = 8 WW SmartPoints [2018]
Chili-Lime Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Gochujang paste Depending on how spicy you like things)
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. (Remember to put the lid on first 😉)
Sweet & Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (I prefer "Red Boat" fish sauce)
- 1 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or coconut or agave nectar
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon gochujang paste Totally optional. You can also use your favorite heat: Sriracha, red pepper flakes, etc.
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients and whisk or blend until smooth.
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the flavors in this is much better than anything Applebees makes I can tell this is a great recipe and will love it
This looks absolutely delicious! What a wonderful summertime shrimp salad. Loving all the flavors.
I haven’t tried the Applebees version, and now with yours I won’t have to! This looks so fresh and delicious! I love Thai flavors!
I love spicy Thai flavors!
this shrimp salad looks amazing and specially with the dressing too!! So YUM!
This looks amazing! I love copycat recipes, I’d love to try it with chicken too!
I love shrimps and salads, that’s a perfect combination for summer. The spicy dressing also appeals to me. Can’t wait to prepare it at home. 🙂
Looks so delicious. The recipe breakdown is so simple and easy to follow.
Looking forward to weekend to try this.
Mmm doesn’t this look delicious! It’s a perfect summer salad to enjoy. I love all the different flavours in it.
This looks like such a fresh and delicious meal for the summer!! I will definitely be adding the ingredients fir this recipe to my shopping list this week! Thanks for the fabulous idea!