How to Make a Refreshingly Zesty Tom Yum Paste Dressing Salad

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Tom Yum, with its spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors, is a classic Thai soup beloved around the world. But have you ever experienced this bold flavor profile in a salad? This Tom Yum Paste Dressing Salad delivers all the vibrancy of Tom Yum in a fresh and healthy way. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or even a satisfying snack.

I first discovered this salad while traveling through Thailand. The heat of the day had me craving something refreshing, and this salad hit the spot. The blend of tangy lime, spicy chilies, and fragrant lemongrass was unlike any salad dressing I’d ever tasted.

Let’s bring a bit of Thai sunshine to your kitchen and make this incredibly delicious and easy salad together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts

For the Tom Yum Paste Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons Tom Yum paste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water (add more for a thinner consistency)

Tom Yum DressingTom Yum Dressing

Tools of the Trade

  • A large mixing bowl
  • A small bowl or jar for whisking the dressing
  • A whisk or fork
  • Salad servers (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

  1. Prep the Veggies: Wash and chop your lettuce, cilantro, and mint. Thinly slice the red onion.
  2. Cook the Chicken (Optional): If you’re using chicken, cook and shred it. Grilled or baked chicken work best for this salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Tom Yum paste, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In your large bowl, combine the lettuce, chicken (if using), red onion, cilantro, and mint.
  5. Dress and Toss: Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. The Finishing Touch: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the salad right before serving for a satisfying crunch.

Tips for Tom Yum Perfection

  • Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Tom Yum paste to your liking.
  • Tom Yum Paste: Look for Tom Yum paste at your local Asian grocery store or online.
  • Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs! They add a burst of flavor that really makes this salad special.
  • Get Creative: Feel free to add other veggies you love, like sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or bean sprouts.

Tom Yum SaladTom Yum Salad

Enjoy the Flavors of Thailand

This Tom Yum Paste Dressing Salad is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the results are sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore “Family Cuisine” for more exciting and easy salad recipes. Happy cooking!

Article by Family Cuisine

We are the food lovers, the taste testers, the kitchen experimenters who make up the familycuisine.net team. We're chefs, home cooks, and culinary enthusiasts who have come together to share our passion for food with you. With the help of AI, we're able to bring you the most delicious, reliable, and exciting content from around the world.

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