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.
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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. 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! This salad is absolutely delicious – and it’s a great pick if you happen to be trying to eat light and healthy, too.
There are four basic components to this salad: The Salad Base, the Pan-fried Shrimp, the Chili-Lime Dressing, and the Peanut Sauce – and each one is super-easy to throw together.
Thai Shrimp Salad {Applebee's Copycat}
Print Recipe Pin RecipeServings: 4
Calories: 288kcal
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Notes
NUTRITION INFORMATION DOES NOT INCLUDE CALORIES/AMOUNTS FOR CHILI LIME VINAIGRETTE OR SPICY PEANUT SAUCE. (SEE RECIPES BELOW.)
** I substitute in 1 teaspoon of my Spicy Skillet Dry Rub for the chili powder and cayenne.Â
1 serving {with 2 T Chili-Lime Vinaigrette & 2 T Sweet & Spicy Peanut Sauce} = 8 WW SmartPoints [2018]
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.9g | Protein: 22.1g | Fat: 15.5g | Saturated Fat: 2.1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 861mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 3.9g | Calcium: 284mg | Iron: 4mg
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Chili-Lime Vinaigrette
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Calories: 100kcal
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
- Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. (Remember to put the lid on first 😉)
Nutrition
Serving: 2Tbls | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.3g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 264mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 9.5g | Calcium: 8mg
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Sweet & Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Calories: 100kcal
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
- Combine all ingredients and whisk or blend until smooth.
Nutrition
Serving: 2Tbls | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.3g | Protein: 3.2g | Fat: 7.8g | Saturated Fat: 3.3g | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5.2g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
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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!
This Thai shrimp salad is my favorite at Applebees! Thank you for the recipe.
Thank you for checking it out!
This is really lovely, and that spicy dressing is really unique. It’s the first time I see Thai flavors marry with Korean gochujang. 🙂
We have a lot of Asian fusion here in the Pacific NW, so we’re used to it. 😋
OOOOH this looks great! I could just eat this up with a spoon!
I love thai food and the spicy thai flavoring was mouth watering.
I love the colors in this salad. It has the right amount of crunch, and it’s super flavorful!