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thai salad dressing

Authentic Thai Salad Dressing

A vibrant, flavorful Thai salad dressing that perfectly balances sweet, sour, salty and spicy notes. Ready in minutes with fresh ingredients for an authentic taste of Thailand.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Asian & Global Dressings
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 68
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Thai Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (nam pla)
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 small Thai red chili finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted peanuts crushed
Optional Additions
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil like rice bran or grapeseed
  • 1 small lemongrass stalk tender inner part only, minced

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Combine lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar in a small mixing bowl; whisk vigorously until sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add minced garlic and chopped Thai chili to the lime mixture; stir well to blend.
  3. Toss in the crushed peanuts and mix gently. If using optional ingredients like cilantro, ginger, or lemongrass, add them now.
  4. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice for more tang, palm sugar for sweetness, or fish sauce for saltiness.
  5. If using optional oils, add them last and whisk until well incorporated.
  6. Allow the dressing to sit for 5-10 minutes before using to let the flavors meld.
  7. Drizzle over your favorite salad and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for later use.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, blend all ingredients except peanuts in a small food processor, then stir in the crushed peanuts.
  • To create a thai peanut sauce variation, add 2-3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter and thin with coconut milk to desired consistency.
  • Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow refrigerated dressing to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before using, then shake well to recombine.