Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad

Refreshing Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad Recipe

A Vibrant Dish from Chiang Mai

I first stumbled upon the inspiration for this Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad during one of my many culinary adventures. A few years back, I found myself in a vibrant little street market in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The aromas of sizzling meats, freshly cut herbs, and the unmistakable tang of lime were a sensory overload. I remember standing in line at a stall where a woman was effortlessly tossing together a noodle salad—watching her whip up magic with the freshest ingredients, I knew I had to try to recreate that experience back home.

How to Make Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad At Home

After returning from my trip, I spent hours experimenting in my kitchen, trying to balance the flavors of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy—hallmarks of Thai cuisine. It was a process of trial and error, but I finally landed on a combination that transported me right back to that bustling market. This salad has everything I love about Thai food: the zing of lime juice, the umami richness of fish sauce, and the freshness of mint, cilantro, and basil. The addition of chicken and shrimp gives the dish a satisfying heartiness, while the bean thread noodles keep it light and refreshing.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether I’m serving it for a quick weekday lunch or impressing guests at a summer BBQ, it always hits the spot. Over time, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe to include extra garnishes like toasted peanuts and a lime wedge on the side. The peanuts add a lovely crunch, and the lime wedge lets everyone adjust the tanginess to their liking.

Every time I make this Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad, it takes me back to that incredible market experience. It’s a little taste of Thailand in my kitchen, and I hope it brings the same joy to anyone who tries it.

Chef’s Notes – Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad

Chill the ingredients: For an even more refreshing experience, chill the noodles and vegetables before combining them for an extra crisp and cool salad.
Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes after tossing with the dressing so the flavors can meld together, creating a more cohesive taste.
Customize the protein: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the protein. Grilled tofu works wonderfully for a vegetarian option, and grilled chicken can add a smoky depth.
Extra crunch: Adding thinly sliced bell peppers or julienned carrots can give the salad extra color and texture.
Garnish generously: For added flavor, drizzle some extra sweet chili sauce or sprinkle more peanuts before serving.
Other Thai recipes you can try are our Spicy Thai Coconut Noodle Soup or our this Thai-Style Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main Course, SaladCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy

Servings

plates/bowls

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

minutes

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this refreshing Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad! Packed with fresh herbs, juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and a zesty lime dressing, this dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of sweet chili sauce and fish sauce adds a delightful umami kick, making every bite a burst of flavor. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your taste buds!

Ingredients

Dressing
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
2 tablespoons Asian sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Noodles
9 ounces bean thread noodles (also known as cellophane or transparent noodles)
Salad
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
12 medium shrimp, cooked and peeled
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 1/2 cups rinsed bean sprouts
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (torn if large)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/3 cup thinly sliced shallots
red jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced into rings
Garnish
2 tablespoons chopped toasted peanuts
1 lime cut into wedges

Directions

Prepare Dressing – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sweet chili sauce, vegetable oil, and sugar until well combined. This can be done up to 2 hours in advance and left at room temperature.
Soften Noodles – Place the bean thread noodles in another large bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them sit for about 4 minutes until softened. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool them down; drain well again. Use scissors to cut the noodles into shorter lengths for easier eating.
Combine Ingredients – Add the halved cherry tomatoes, cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, rinsed bean sprouts, thinly sliced cucumber, fresh mint leaves, basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and sliced shallots to the bowl with the noodles and dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.
Serve – Divide the salad among four plates or bowls. Sprinkle each serving with chopped toasted peanuts and garnish with lime wedges on the side.

Equipment

chef’s knife
cutting board
mixing bowls
measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 350kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Potassium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin A: 15IU
Vitamin C: 40mg
Calcium: 6mg
Iron: 10mg

Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: Medium
Dive into the rich, aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine with this Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup! This dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a medley of spices that will transport your taste buds straight to Chiang Mai. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is both comforting and exotic. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow, mouthwatering soup!

Cuisine: Thai
Thai-Style Chicken with Peanut Sauce Noodles
Cooks in 40 minutesDifficulty: Medium
Dive into the flavors of Thailand with this mouth-watering Thai-Style Chicken with Peanut Sauce Noodles recipe! Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines tender chicken strips, savory peanut sauce, and fresh vegetables, all tossed with soft rice noodles. It’s a simple yet exotic meal that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Bangkok!

1 vote 5.0 Cuisine: Thai

FAQs – Thai Chicken and Shrimp Noodle Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and vibrant.

What can I use as a substitute for fish sauce?

You can substitute soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version, but keep in mind that the fish sauce adds an authentic umami flavor that’s hard to replicate.