Shrimp Pomelo Salad Recipe
Introduction
Shrimp Pomelo Salad is a refreshing Thai-inspired dish that balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch. Perfect for a light lunch or appetizer, it combines juicy pomelo segments with tender shrimp and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients
- 1 fresh pomelo (chilled)
- 225 grams shrimp (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 shallot (finely sliced)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/2 Thai chili (sliced, use less or more to taste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fried shallots (for garnish)
- Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Additional chopped cilantro and mint (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut off one end of the pomelo. Using a sharp knife, score around the outside about 1/2 inch deep into the peel.
- Step 2: Pry off the rind and remove the thick pith to make separating the segments easier.
- Step 3: Pull the pomelo apart into two halves, then separate the segments. Peel off the membranes, remove seeds, and break the segments into bite-sized pieces. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
- Step 4: In a mortar and pestle, pound together the brown sugar and sliced chili to form a paste.
- Step 5: Add fish sauce and lime juice to the paste and mix well to create the dressing.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, combine pomelo pieces, shredded lettuce, sliced shallots, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, and the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 7: Add the cooked shrimp and mix lightly to distribute evenly.
- Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fried shallots, chopped peanuts, green onions, and extra chopped mint and cilantro as desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use grapefruit if pomelo is not available for a similar tangy flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference.
- Add toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of texture and sweetness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with sliced avocado or tofu.
Storage
Store the salad without garnishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Add fried shallots, peanuts, and fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their crispness. Reheat is not recommended as this is best served fresh and chilled.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the pomelo in advance?
Yes, you can peel and segment the pomelo a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. This helps save time during assembly.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly but still add umami depth.
PrintShrimp Pomelo Salad Recipe
Shrimp Pomelo Salad is a refreshing Thai-inspired dish combining juicy pomelo segments, succulent cooked shrimp, fresh herbs, and a zesty, sweet, and tangy dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. This vibrant salad balances sweetness, acidity, and spice, garnished with crunchy peanuts, fried shallots, and fresh greens for a delightful texture contrast, perfect for a light and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 fresh pomelo (chilled)
- 225 grams shrimp, (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 shallot, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
Dressing
- 1 1/2 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1/2 Thai chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnishes
- Fried shallots
- Chopped peanuts
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped mint
Instructions
- Peel the Pomelo: Cut off one end of the pomelo and score around the outside about 1/2 inch deep into the peel using a sharp knife. Use your fingers to pry off the rind and peel away the pith to make segment separation easier.
- Segment the Pomelo: Pull the pomelo apart into two halves, separate segments, peel off membranes, remove seeds, and break into bite-sized pieces. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mortar and pestle, pound together brown sugar and sliced chili to create a paste. Add fish sauce and lime juice, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the pomelo pieces, shredded lettuce, sliced shallots, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, and the dressing. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly.
- Add the Shrimp: Fold in the cooked, cooled shrimp into the salad mixture carefully to maintain the shrimp’s texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fried shallots, chopped peanuts, green onions, and additional chopped mint and cilantro as desired. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Thai chili based on your spice preference.
- Removing the pith from the pomelo is essential to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor contrast.
- Chilling the pomelo beforehand helps keep the salad refreshing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated but are best consumed within a day to preserve texture.
Keywords: Shrimp Pomelo Salad, Thai salad, seafood salad, pomelo recipe, fresh herb salad, light lunch, gluten free, citrus salad

