Tangy & Fresh Low-Carb Pad Thai Salad Recipe

Summers sizzle with excitement when you toss together this zesty low-carb pad thai salad that bursts with tantalizing flavors.

thai cuisine lovers will devour every colorful bite of this vibrant dish.

Crisp vegetables dance with tender protein, creating a refreshing meal that satisfies without heavy carbohydrates.

Packed with authentic seasonings and bright herbs, this salad delivers all the classic pad thai tastes you adore.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes that transport you straight to Bangkok’s bustling street markets.

The recipe promises a quick, nutritious option for health-conscious food enthusiasts seeking bold international cuisine.

Dive into this mouthwatering creation and revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Zesty Low-Carb Pad Thai Salad

• Cucumber: Provides crisp, hydrating base with cool, light crunch perfect for summer salads.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color, sweet earthiness, and satisfying textural contrast to the dish.
• Spring Onions: Delivers sharp, zesty flavor with mild onion undertones that brighten the entire salad.
• Fresh Coriander: Introduces bright, citrusy herb notes that complement Asian-inspired flavor profiles.
• Fresh Mint: Contributes refreshing, cooling sensation with delicate aromatic complexity.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean, tender protein that absorbs marinade beautifully.
• Beef: Rich, robust protein option with deep savory characteristics.
• Duck: Luxurious, succulent meat with intense flavor complexity.
• Prawns: Sweet, delicate seafood that adds elegant maritime touch.
• Tofu: Versatile plant-based protein with excellent flavor absorption.
• Boiled Eggs: Creamy, protein-packed addition offering smooth texture.

• Peanuts: Delivers satisfying nutty crunch with rich, toasted undertones that enhance overall dish texture.

• Lime Juice, Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Creates harmonious balance of tangy, umami, and savory flavor foundations.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces warm, spicy kick that elevates entire dish's flavor profile.
• Honey: Provides gentle sweetness that rounds and softens intense dressing components.
• Garlic: Adds deep, pungent aromatic base that intensifies overall dish complexity.

Utensils & Prep for Zesty Low-Carb Pad Thai Salad

• Spiralizer or vegetable peeler: Essential for turning carrots and cucumber into noodle-like ribbons.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine all salad ingredients comfortably.
• Scissors: Perfect for snipping spring onions directly over the salad.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for finely chopping coriander and mint.
• Jar with lid: Ideal for mixing and shaking the dressing ingredients together.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate dressing measurements.
• Peanut crusher or rolling pin: Used to crush peanuts for garnish.

Mixing Instructions for Zesty Pad Thai Salad

• Vegetable Transformation

Spiral or slice carrots and cucumber into delicate ribbons. Scatter freshly snipped spring onions across the base, creating a colorful canvas.

• Protein Selection

Choose your favorite protein – juicy chicken, tender beef, succulent prawns, or plant-based tofu – layering it gently over the vegetable foundation.

• Herbal Burst

Finely chop fragrant coriander and mint, sprinkling these aromatic green confetti across the salad to awaken the senses.

• Dressing Magic

Combine lime juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili flakes, honey, and garlic in a jar. Shake vigorously until the liquid transforms into a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle the vibrant dressing over the salad, tossing with a light touch to ensure every morsel is kissed with flavor. Crush peanuts and rain them down as a crunchy crown.

• Serving Suggestion

This zesty creation serves two hungry souls, promising a burst of Southeast Asian inspiration in under 15 minutes. Light, refreshing, and packed with bold flavors, it’s a quick escape to culinary paradise.

Flavor Options for Zesty Low-Carb Pad Thai Salad

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Protein Powerhouse: Swap out proteins based on your preference or dietary needs. Grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken work beautifully to add extra flavor and nutrition.
• Veggie Versatility: Get creative with spiralized vegetables. Try zucchini noodles, daikon radish, or beetroot for a colorful twist that keeps the low-carb magic alive.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing chili flakes. For a milder version, remove seeds from fresh chilies, or add sriracha for an extra kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies. These alternatives provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor without compromising texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers. Mix just before serving to keep everything crisp and prevent soggy noodles from losing their fresh appeal.

Serving Presentation for Zesty Pad Thai Salad

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Top the salad with crispy fried shallots or garlic chips for an extra crunch that adds a delightful texture and rich, aromatic flavor.
• Protein Power Boost: Serve alongside grilled or seared protein like salmon, giving diners the option to add extra protein and create a more substantial meal.
• Fresh Herb Garden Finish: Sprinkle additional fresh herbs like Thai basil or extra chopped cilantro right before serving to enhance the brightness and add a vibrant green color to the dish.
• Cooling Companion: Pair the zesty salad with a chilled cucumber-mint yogurt sauce on the side, which provides a refreshing contrast to the salad's spicy and tangy dressing.

Meal Planning & Storage for Zesty Pad Thai Salad

• Smart Batch Preparation: Chop vegetables and mix dressing separately to create multiple salad servings throughout the week. Store protein and veggies in separate containers to maintain crispness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep undressed salad ingredients in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Place dressing in a separate airtight jar, which can last 5-7 days when refrigerated. Mix components just before eating to preserve optimal texture and freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Protein Tip: Cooked chicken, prawns, or tofu can be portioned and frozen for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add to your salad for a speedy, nutritious lunch or dinner option.
• Portable Lunch Hack: Pack salad components in divided containers with dressing on the side. This prevents wilting and allows you to assemble a crisp, delicious meal at work or during travel, ensuring a vibrant and satisfying eating experience.

Flavorful Low-Carb Pad Thai Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy pad thai salad delivers a fresh, low-carb twist on classic Thai cuisine. Crunchy vegetables and zesty dressing create a light, satisfying meal you can enjoy without guilt.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large cucumber
• 2 large carrots
• 1 handful fresh coriander
• 1 handful fresh mint
• 2 spring onions
• 1 handful peanuts, roughly chopped
• Shredded chicken
• Beef
• Duck
• Prawns
• Tofu
• Boiled eggs
• 1 lime (juice)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) sesame oil
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chili flakes
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Transform carrots and cucumber into delicate noodle-like strands using a spiralizer, then transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Protein Integration: Add chosen protein (shredded chicken, beef, duck, prawns, tofu, or soft boiled eggs) among the vegetable ribbons, creating a balanced foundation.
3. Herbal Infusion: Chop fresh coriander and mint leaves into fine fragments, scattering them across the salad to introduce vibrant, aromatic complexity.
4. Dressing Creation: Combine lime juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili flakes, honey, and minced garlic in a sealed jar, shaking vigorously until ingredients meld into a harmonious dressing.
5. Final Assembly: Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure even coating, then crown with crushed peanuts for a satisfying textural contrast.
6. Serving: Present immediately to preserve crisp textures and maximize the bright, zesty flavor profile of this innovative low-carb pad thai salad.

Notes

• Spiralize with Precision: Use sharp spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create uniform, thin vegetable noodles for optimal texture and visual appeal.
• Protein Flexibility: Choose protein based on dietary preferences, ensuring it complements the fresh vegetable base and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Dressing Balance: Shake dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements that elevate the salad’s taste.
• Serve Fresh: Consume immediately to maintain crisp vegetable texture and vibrant flavor, preventing soggy or wilted ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg