Skip to main content

Thai Spices Shrimp Salad with Asian Greens and Pesto Dressing

3.8

(21)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 first-course or 4 main-course servings

Ingredients

For dressing

3/4 cup (packed) coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup macadamia nuts, toasted
4 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)

For shrimp

1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
24 uncooked large shrimp (about 1 pound), peeled, deveined
2 ounces dried thin Chinese rice sticks (maifun) or angel hair pasta
4 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage
4 cups thinly sliced bok choy leaves
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh cilantro sprigs

Preparation

  1. Make dressing:

    Step 1

    Blend basil, nuts and vinegar in processor until nuts are finely ground. With machine running, gradually add oil and blend well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. (Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.)

  2. Make shrimp:

    Step 2

    Whisk coconut milk and curry paste in medium saucepan over medium-low heat until blended; bring to simmer. Add shrimp and simmer until shrimp are almost opaque in center, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Refrigerate shrimp in curry liquid, uncovered, until very cold, about 2 hours.

    Step 3

    Place rice sticks in medium bowl. Cover with very hot water. Let stand until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain rice sticks. (If using pasta, cook in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain well; rinse pasta with cold water and drain again.) Using knife or poultry shears, cut rice sticks or pasta into shorter (about 6-inch) lengths. Place noodles in medium bowl and toss with enough dressing to coat.

    Step 4

    Combine cabbage, bok choy, green onions and chopped cilantro in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide greens among plates. Top with noodles. Drain shrimp; place atop noodles, dividing equally. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Pass any remaining dressing separately.

Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.