Thai Beef Salad Recipe with Zesty Dressing

If you’re craving something fresh, light, and bursting with flavor, this Thai Beef Salad with Zesty Dressing is the perfect choice.

Packed with tender slices of beef, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy-sweet-spicy dressing, this dish brings together everything we love about Thai cuisine.

It’s healthy, vibrant, and easy enough to make at home—ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Thai Beef Salad

• Healthy yet satisfying – Packed with protein and fresh veggies.

• Bold flavors – A balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

• Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.

• Versatile – Serve it as a main dish or a refreshing side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin (grilled or pan-seared)

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (or romaine lettuce)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

• ½ cup fresh mint leaves

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts (optional, for crunch)

For the Zesty Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 red chili, finely sliced (adjust to spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef – Season steak lightly with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare), or until cooked to your liking. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, chili, and sesame oil until well combined. Taste and adjust for balance (add more sugar for sweetness or more lime for tang).

Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine greens, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and mint. Toss gently.

Add Beef & Dressing – Top salad with sliced beef, drizzle with the dressing, and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Finish & Serve – Sprinkle with roasted peanuts and serve immediately.

Also Check: Beef Fried Rice with Mongolian Flavors

Tips for Success

• Rest the beef – This helps keep the juices inside, making the slices tender.

• Adjust spice level – Use fewer or more chilies depending on your heat preference.

• Fresh herbs matter – Cilantro and mint give this salad its authentic Thai taste.

• Make ahead – Prep the dressing and veggies in advance; add beef just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Thai Beef Salad with Zesty Dressing is perfect as a main dish but also works beautifully as:

• A light lunch with rice noodles on the side.

• A starter for a Thai-inspired dinner.

• A healthy meal prep option for busy weekdays.

FAQs About Thai Beef Salad

1. What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak or sirloin works beautifully because they cook quickly and slice well.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the veggies and dressing in advance, but store separately. Add the beef and dressing just before serving.

3. Is there a vegetarian version?
You can swap the beef for grilled tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.

4. How spicy is this salad?
It has a mild to medium heat from the fresh chili. Adjust by using less chili or substituting with red pepper flakes.

5. How long can leftovers be stored?
It’s best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible.

This Thai Beef Salad Recipe with Zesty Dressing is a perfect combination of freshness and bold flavor.

It’s light yet filling, simple yet sophisticated, and makes a beautiful dish for any occasion.

Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation.

Thai Beef Salad Recipe with Zesty Dressing

This Thai Beef Salad with Zesty Dressing is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful 30-minute dish made with tender beef, crisp veggies, and a tangy-sweet-spicy dressing

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Salad

Cuisine: asian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin grilled or pan-seared
• 4 cups mixed salad greens or romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber thinly sliced
• ½ red onion thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts optional, for crunch

For the Zesty Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 red chili finely sliced (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Method

 

1. Season and cook the beef to your liking, then let it rest and slice thinly.
2. Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, chili, and sesame oil for the dressing.
3. Combine salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and mint in a large bowl.
4. Add sliced beef and drizzle with dressing, tossing everything together.
5. Top with roasted peanuts and serve immediately.