Thai-style Salad with Grilled Vegetables

If you're looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines the flavors of Southeast Asia with the smokiness of grilled vegetables, a Thai-style salad with grilled vegetables is the perfect choice. This colorful meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner.

Ingredients for Thai-Style Salad

To create a mouth-watering Thai-style salad with grilled vegetables, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro and mint), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing

The dressing is what gives the salad its distinctive Thai flavor. You will need:

  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust based on your spice preference)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Thai-style salad with grilled vegetables:

  1. Grill the Vegetables: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Toss the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove from grill and allow to cool.
  2. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
  3. Add Grilled Vegetables: Once the grilled vegetables have cooled, cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad bowl.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and chopped chili until well combined.
  5. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for an extra burst of flavor.

Health Benefits

This Thai-style salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits:

  • Nutrient-Rich: Filled with a variety of vegetables, this salad is rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • High in Fiber: The inclusion of salad greens and grilled vegetables provides ample fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Healthy Fats: The addition of avocado delivers healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal. It also serves as a fantastic side dish for barbecues or picnics.

With its balance of flavors and textures, this Thai-style salad with grilled vegetables is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this healthy dish any time of the year to bring a taste of Thailand to your table!