Spicy Prawn & Litchi Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Thai-inspired salad featuring the delightful contrast of sweet, juicy litchis with succulent prawns, crisp vegetables, and a zesty, spicy dressing.
For 2 servings
Prepare the litchis: Carefully peel each litchi, then cut them in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Set aside.
Prepare the prawns: Ensure your prawns are cooked, peeled, and deveined. If they are large, you may cut them in half for easier eating. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Thinly slice the English cucumber into half-moon shapes. Thinly slice the red chili (remove seeds for less heat if preferred). Thinly slice the shallot. Roughly chop the fresh mint and cilantro.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar (or alternative sweetener), and sliced red chili until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy to your preference.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared litchis, cooked prawns, sliced cucumber, sliced shallot, chopped mint, and chopped cilantro.
Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients.
Toss gently: Using tongs or your hands, gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing without bruising the litchis or prawns.
Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to individual serving plates or a communal bowl. Garnish generously with the roughly chopped roasted peanuts and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Prawn Quality: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality, fresh prawns. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them very dry before adding to the salad to prevent watering down the dressing.
- 2Chili Control: The spice level is easily adjustable. For less heat, remove the seeds and white membrane from the chili, or use a milder chili like a serrano. For more heat, add an extra chili or leave the seeds in.
- 3Dressing Balance: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the lime juice for tang, fish sauce for saltiness/umami, and palm sugar for sweetness until it hits your preferred sweet-sour-spicy-savory balance.
- 4Serve Chilled: While best served immediately after tossing, ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before assembly for a more refreshing experience.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute cooked prawns with grilled chicken breast, seared scallops, or even firm tofu for a different protein profile.
Fruit AlternativeFruit Alternative
If litchis are out of season, fresh mango cubes or pineapple chunks can provide a similar sweet and juicy counterpoint to the savory elements.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Instead of peanuts, try toasted cashews, sesame seeds, or crispy fried shallots for a different textural element and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety, making this a satisfying yet light meal.
Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
Litchis provide Vitamin C, while cucumber, mint, and cilantro contribute various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce oxidative stress.
Hydrating and Low Calorie
With a high water content from litchis and cucumber, this salad is incredibly hydrating and low in calories, making it a perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh litchis offer the best texture and flavor, you can use canned litchis in a pinch. Be sure to drain them very well and rinse off any excess syrup to prevent the salad from becoming overly sweet or watery.
