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}
Print Recipe Pin RecipeServings: 4
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
** 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]
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Chili-Lime Vinaigrette
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 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 😉)
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Sweet & Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 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.
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Claudia Lamascolo says
July 23 atthe flavors in this is much better than anything Applebees makes I can tell this is a great recipe and will love it
Catherine says
July 23 atThis looks absolutely delicious! What a wonderful summertime shrimp salad. Loving all the flavors.
Pam Greer says
July 23 atI 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!
Sandi says
July 23 atI love spicy Thai flavors!
camila says
July 23 atthis shrimp salad looks amazing and specially with the dressing too!! So YUM!
Emily says
July 24 atThis looks amazing! I love copycat recipes, I’d love to try it with chicken too!
Natalia says
July 25 atI 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. 🙂
Indrani says
July 25 atLooks so delicious. The recipe breakdown is so simple and easy to follow.
Looking forward to weekend to try this.
E. Smith says
July 25 atMmm doesn’t this look delicious! It’s a perfect summer salad to enjoy. I love all the different flavours in it.
Daisy says
July 25 atThis 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!