The traditional Thai salad is sweet and spicy, filled with finely chopped pork, dried shrimp, peanuts and chilies. Here, we've mixed the traditional with a few creative ideas of our own.
Look for mangoes that just yield to the pressure of fingers, which means they are ripe but not overripe. Slice the stem end off to create a flat surface, so the mango doesn't slip when peeling.
A quick broil at the end gives this salmon a golden, glazed finish. This recipe doubles easily for a dinner party.
If you can't find wide rice stick noodles for this Thai-inspired salad, use fettuccine and increase the cooking by a minute or two.
Using cooked and crumbled bacon, available in jars and packages, cuts at least 10 minutes of cooking time. Bagged lettuces and greens require no washing, and salmon is quick to cook.
Lemongrass paste adds flavour without any hard bits. It is available in the produce section of most grocery stores.