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You are here: Home / Physical Kitchness / Thai Shrimp Salad with Almond Dressing (paleo + whole30)

Thai Shrimp Salad with Almond Dressing (paleo + whole30)

15 Aug

Many moons ago I worked a desk job. During a time when I wore high heels, went to happy hours, and had accessories to complete every pencil skirt and perfect hair bun. I wasn’t fancy, but I was well maintained. I’m still not fancy but more ‘hot mess’ than ‘cute lady boss’. Despite what my title was or could have been at work, I still humbly brought my lunch every single day. And this Thai shrimp salad with almond dressing (paleo + whole30) is perfect for just that.

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Fresh, fun, no cooking required! Whole30 compliant and paleo, this Thai shrimp salad with almond dressing is a restaurant-quality meal you'll make over and over again.

I type humbly with a smirk. Because this salad looks anything but humble – it is fancy. But like my once ’20-something-climbing-the-corporate-ladder/girl-power’ status, this salad looks powerful and put together, but deep down it’s really simple, fresh, and easy. Wait, that was a bad analogy. I’m not saying I was easy, no…delete…edit, undo…errrrr. Easy to be friends with. Easy to converse with. Right? That makes more sense – are you with me? Ok let’s just move on.

This Thai shrimp salad with almond dressing is fantabulous for those lunches you bring to work AND those lunches you eat at home. Why? No cooking required, no lefttovers needed. All the ingredients of this restaurant-quality meal can be found in your freezer, refrigerator, and pantry. WIN! Because nothing is worse than wanting to build a bomb salad but realizing you only have uncooked meat. And skipping the main protein hub just means you’re hungry again in an hour.

Cocktail shrimp, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro make this Thai shrimp salad. Top with crunchy nuts and an almond butter dressing and you have a winning lunch or dinner!

Let me count the ways I love thee: paleo, whole30 compliant, gluten-free, easy to make, and THE DRESSING. It’s the creamy burst of flavor that completes every single bite. I kind of want to put it on everything – like maybe slather my body with it, put it in a syringe and have it in my purse everywhere I go, mix it in my coffee, lick it from the bowl. Obsessed doesn’t even scratch the surface.

And!!! And and and, you can use any leftover dressing for other meals. Drizzle it over grilled chicken or on roasted vegetables, combine it with rice or quinoa, or use it as a dip for spring rolls. A dressing that wears many hats, kind of like me (if I do say so myself). But I’m not Thai, soooo never mind. Analogies = 0 for 2.

A healthy, whole30 compliant salad that requires little prep but big on flavor. Once you drizzle the almond dressing on top, you'll never look at salads the same way again! Healthy, fresh, and paleo.

The only thing  you need to do to make this Thai shrimp salad with almond dressing is some cutting and chopping action. This is where meal prep is clutch. Simply chop the vegetables a few days or the night before – that way assembling is a breeze. Be sure to make the dressing beforehand too, and store in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator.

No more breaking the bank going out for salads anymore! This budget-friendly lunch will be your next go-to whether you’re bossin’ it up on the 37th floor, or in your toy-infested living room.

Looking for more easy whole30 compliant lunches? Try these cilantro pesto chicken wraps or this blackened fish taco salad bowl.

This whole30 compliant Thai salad with shrimp has an amazing almond dressing you can't miss. Almond butter, coconut aminos, lime, sesame oil, and rice vinegar give this salad some serious flavor flair!

 

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Thai Shrimp Salad with Almond Dressing (paleo + Whole30)

Fresh, fun, no cooking required! Whole30 compliant and paleo, this Thai shrimp salad with almond dressing is a restaurant-quality meal you'll make over and over again.

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Physical Kitchness
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
Scale

Ingredients

  • 6 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 red or orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1/4 cup packed cilantro
  • 3/4 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/3 cup cashews
  • 1/2 pound cocktail shrimp, thawed and peeled

Almond Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coconut aminos
  • 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon raw honey (omit for whole30)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons water (or less if you like a thicker dressing)

Instructions

  1. Compile the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well
  2. Add the cocktail shrimp
  3. Mix the almond dressing ingredients well and drizzle over the salad. Double the recipe if desired (keeps well in the refrigerator)
  4. Top the salad with cashews or sliced almonds if preferred

 

 

This restaurant-quaility Thai shrimp salad with almond dressing is EASY to make at home and is paleo and whole30 compliant. So many fresh flavors with a rich almond butter based dressing!
Chrissa
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62 Comments Filed Under: Lunch, Physical Kitchness, Recipes, Whole30 Tagged With: paleo, salad, shrimp, whole30[heart_this]

About Chrissa

I'm Chrissa - a lover of cooking, hater of spiders, fitness enthusiast, red lipstick wearer, mom and wife. Here you will find healthy recipes the family will love, step-by-step workout tutorials, meal planning guides and wellness tips.

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Comments

  1. Beverley @ Born to Sweat says

    August 15, 2016 at 5:24 am

    oooo i love your version Chrissa!! Looks so good! I haven’t tried almond butter dressing before (mostly because i’m cheap AF and peanut butter is cheaper HAH), but i think i gots to change that.
    PS congratulations on your bb boyyyyyy <3 so much love for your family!!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:28 pm

      Bahaha I love you. PB is def cheaper – luckily there is a grocery outlet near me and sometimes I can get almond butter for less than $4. Whaaaa?!?! Thanks for the sweet note – it means a lot! Stay tuned for some crazy snaps (I’m sure) 😉

      Reply
  2. Brandy @ Hellomidlifecrisis says

    August 15, 2016 at 6:02 am

    I have always been so afraid to work with shrimp (or any seafood really) in my own kitchen because I know so little about it (how to tell when it’s done, how do I know when it’s not safe to consume, etc) but this recipe looks incredibly good (even at 8 in the morning) so I may have to be a little more adventurous!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      Luckily with frozen cocktail shrimp you don’t have to worry about cooking or anything! So you totally got this Brandy!

      Reply
  3. Julie says

    August 15, 2016 at 6:16 am

    I’ve just started making my own dressings and over the weekend after making my own orange-dressing, I thought why haven’t I been doing this for longer?! I know, never to late to start so I’m pinning yours for later! And who needs pencil skirts and high heels, anyway? 😉

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:23 pm

      Oh you must share that orange dressing. Sounds yummy! I totally know what you mean – for years buying the junk in the bottle I finally came to realize that making your own is SO much better – tastes better and better for you! PS all hail sneakers and yoga pants!!!

      Reply
  4. Hilary says

    August 15, 2016 at 6:38 am

    Love that almond dressing, it sounds delicious ! Also love that this recipe is whole 30 approved! I am always looking for more to incorporate in my everyday!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:22 pm

      Thanks Hilary! The dressing is super yum – and really versatile!

      Reply
  5. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Ever since I was young I dreamed of a job where I had to dress up in suits/pencil skirts, and heels! Bahahaha! (Okay…I still do!)
    That sauce <3 I fully believe you should strive to make people jealous with your packed lunches 😉

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      SAME!!! I thought it would be so glam! I ended up getting sick of it and now prefer my yoga pants every day 😉 You are so funny!

      Reply
  6. Lauren says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:56 am

    This looks amazing! Would make the perfect lunch! I love almond dressing!

    Reply
  7. Ros Emely@stressfreemommies says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:24 am

    This looks so good! And you are too funny, haha! (the easy part) Anyways, I am loving the sound of almond dressing and shrimp salads are my favorite kind of salads to eat!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:15 pm

      I’m glad someone gets my sense of humor 😉 You’ll love this salad Ros! Thanks friend.

      Reply
  8. Carmy says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:35 am

    I literally just made a similar sauce. However, I used peanut butter – the sauce was def thicker than I had wanted. I probably should have used almond!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      PB is usually the preferred sauce with any Thai inspired dish. But to make this paleo, I did almond butter. And I almost like it better! I hope you do too Carmy!

      Reply
  9. Amy Scott says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:28 am

    I’m a huge shrimp and Thai food fan! I never think of making nice salads like this and always settle for the mundane. This week I’m going to go out of my way and put this together. I’ve got shrimp in the freezer 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:12 pm

      I can so relate. My salads used to be so sad too. Lately I’ve been trying to make them grand so I don’t get so sick of the same every day! I hope you love this Amy and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. Blair says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:38 am

    Mmmm…love all of these ingredients, but that dressing! YUM!

    Hope you and the fam are adjusting well to your new addition! xoxo

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks Blair! And thank you for thinking of me – we are holding down the fort (barely) HA!

      Reply
  11. Lauren says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:19 am

    This looks amazing and I totally need to try that dressing! I am always looking for Whole30 compliant ideas..

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      Glad you’re digging this Lauren! It’s always nice to mix it up when doing Whole30!

      Reply
  12. Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says

    August 15, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    This looks so FABULOUS!!! I can’t wait to try it, Pinned 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      Thanks so much Angela!

      Reply
  13. abbey says

    August 15, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    oh yummmmy. i am totally pinning this!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      Thanks for the pin love Abbey!

      Reply
  14. Keala says

    August 15, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    Omg I’m drooling!! And I love that this is gels their than most versions! Defintely going on next weeks Meal plan.
    Keala
    http://www.recipeforasweetlife.com

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Totally! You can customize this salad by adding or taking out ingredients, substituting, etc. It’s all good in the end. Thanks Keala!

      Reply
  15. Elaine Matthews says

    August 15, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    This looks amazing!! I love everything about it!! Perfect in this warm weather of summer!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      You’re so welcome Elaine. Enjoy!

      Reply
  16. Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says

    August 15, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    This looks so delicious! I love the combination of flavors, Thai is one of my favorites! The dressing, fresh herbs, and cashews I cannot wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      Spot on 😉 Lots of flavors that just mesh so well together. I hope you love it Sarah!

      Reply
  17. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says

    August 15, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    Such an awesome combination of ingredients and flavors all in one big-ole salad!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      Gotta love one big-ole yummy salad!

      Reply
  18. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    August 15, 2016 at 2:46 pm

    Love this dressing and I would make it with tofu as well. Yum!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      That’s a great idea! It would work well with tofu too!

      Reply
  19. renee says

    August 15, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    Can’t wait to try this. I love shrimp anything, but this looks especailly yum!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      Shrimp is LIFE! Thanks Renee.

      Reply
  20. dixya @food, pleasure, and health says

    August 15, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    i bring my lunch most days of the week..and i could certainly add this to my list 🙂 it looks sooo refreshing!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      Yes yes do!! And good for you for bringing your own lunch (usually healthier and saves so much $$!)

      Reply
  21. Heather @ Polyglot Jot says

    August 15, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    First of all…you are one hot mama so dont say youre a hot mess, lady! 😀 Second, omg i need this salad right now! I love a nice filling salad for lunch–i love the combination of flavors for that dressing!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      Oh Heather – you’re too sweet. xo I hope you dig this salad – it really is super yum for lunch or even dinner!

      Reply
  22. Kim says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    I love all of these ingredients. It looks so fresh and light too! Love it!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      The veggies and cilantro give it that total light and fresh taste. Thanks Kim!

      Reply
  23. Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    This looks AMAZING! I am totally making this recipe this weekend! pinning for later!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      Oh I hope you love it Natalie! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  24. Tee says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    The dressing sounds amazing, love anything paleo!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      It totally is. Enjoy Tee!

      Reply
  25. Cara says

    August 16, 2016 at 5:36 am

    Oh my goodness this looks so Delish! I need to try that dressing ASAP!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:37 pm

      YES DO!!! The dressing is bomb.com!

      Reply
  26. Nicole Banuelos says

    August 16, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Yum, my husband would love this! Maybe I’ll surprise him this week! 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 16, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Wife of the year for you! 😉

      Reply
  27. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    August 16, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    My husband loves shrimp so this is a salad he’d probably be really excited about! haha 🙂

    Reply
  28. Shann Eva says

    August 16, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    That dressing sounds amazing! I love any meal that I don’t have to cook the protein. Me and raw meat aren’t the best of friends. This looks perfect!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 24, 2016 at 3:57 am

      Bahaha I think raw meat isn’t anyone’s friend. Gotta love salads that you can throw together in no time – sans the cooking of meat. Thanks Shann!

      Reply
  29. Maggie Unzueta says

    August 17, 2016 at 11:37 am

    This looks amazing. I love anything shrimp. 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 24, 2016 at 3:56 am

      I mean, who doesn’t?! Shrimp should be a meal staple – SO GOOD!

      Reply
  30. Kelly @ Eat the Gains says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:14 am

    This sounds so good! I am a lover of packed lunches and salads, so this is perfect! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 23, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      I hope you do Kelly. Lunch-packers unite!

      Reply
  31. Emily says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Only cutting and chopping action sounds like a WONDERFUL salad! It’s amazing how it is really easy to put together a delicious salad without much work, because salad ingredients have so much color and beauty.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 23, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Exactly! Fresh and flavorful salads don’t have to be a ton of work to make!

      Reply
  32. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:12 am

    oh my gosh that dressing is unbelievable as well as this salad!!! I’ve been wanting ALL the shrimp lately so this is perfect! pinned 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 23, 2016 at 4:50 pm

      Thanks Rachel! Yesssss the dressing is soooo good!

      Reply

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