Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

This Pad Thai Salad Is A Lighter Version Of The Takeout Classic

Jamie Schneider
Author:
October 02, 2019
Jamie Schneider
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Editor
By Jamie Schneider
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Editor
Jamie Schneider is the Senior Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in Coveteur, The Chill Times, and Wyld Skincare.
Image by Howard Shooter / Contributor
October 02, 2019
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

Thai food lovers rejoice: There's a lighter, colorful version of a Thai takeout classic. This dish from executive chef Steven Mangleshot's Wagamama: Feed Your Soul offers that same aromatic flavor with a nutritious edge.

Rather than the traditional rice noodles, Mangleshot uses lettuce and pickled vegetables for a meal that's packed with fiber and protein. Plus, we know that pickled vegetables are a great way to get in your fermented foods and probiotics—both of which are great for gut health.

While this dish focuses on chicken as the main source of protein, smoked or marinated tofu would also work well as a vegan alternative. No matter what eating plan you follow, this salad will be sure to make it to the top of your favorites list.

Pad Thai Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces (or tofu, for a vegan option)
  • ½ carrot, peeled and grated 
  • 1 red onion, finely sliced 
  • 2 tablespoons fresh beets, grated 
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1½ cups mixed salad leaves 
  • 5 baby plum tomatoes, halved
  • 5½ oz. cooked peeled shrimp (optional for vegan recipe) 
  • 1 cup raw snow peas, finely sliced 
  • 3½ fl. oz. Nuoc Cham Dressing (see below)
  • 2 tablespoons crispy fried onions, to garnish 
  • 2 heaping tablespoons unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped, to garnish 

Chicken (Or Tofu) Marinade Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed 
  • 1 teaspoon superfine sugar

Pickling Liquor Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1 tablespoon superfine sugar 
  • pinch of sea salt 

Nuoc Cham Dressing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoon shichimi
  • 2 tablespoons Spicy Vinegar

Method:

  1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and add the chicken, mixing to coat well. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Place a saucepan over low heat and add all the pickling liquor ingredients with 3 tablespoons of water. Heat and stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved, then adjust the flavoring to taste. Transfer to a large, heatproof bowl or jar and set aside to cool.
  3. Once cool, add the carrot, red onion, and beets and stir to mix well, then set aside for at least 10 minutes, as the longer the pickle is left, the more intense the flavor becomes. When ready to serve, drain the pickling liquid.
  4. Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned all over and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then set aside. 
  5. Place the salad leaves in a large mixing bowl, add the pickled vegetables, and stir through with the plum tomatoes, chicken, shrimp, and snow peas. 
  6. Drizzle over the Nuoc Cham Dressing, then divide the salad between two serving plates, top with the crispy fried onions and chopped peanuts, and serve.

Recipe excerpted from Wagamama: Feed Your Soul by Steven Mangleshot, 2019. Reprinted with permission from Kyle Books, an imprint of Octopus Books.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Food
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.