Abalone Thai Summer Salad Recipe

By Kittipat Esposito for Ocean Road Abalone

Light, refreshing, and bursting with vibrant Thai flavours, this Abalone Thai Summer Salad is the perfect dish for warm weather or when you’re craving something crisp and wholesome. Inspired by the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours that Thai cuisine is famous for, this salad combines the delicate texture of retort-packed abalone with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy chilli-lime dressing.

Abalone adds a unique touch to this salad, offering a tender, oceanic flavour that pairs effortlessly with the vibrant Thai ingredients. Using retort-packed abalone makes this recipe incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy premium-quality seafood without any extra preparation. At Ocean Road Abalone, we’re passionate about showing how abalone can be part of everyday meals, and this recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy it with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.

Thai food is all about harmony, and this recipe captures that beautifully. The silky mung bean noodles provide the perfect base, while the bright, bold dressing ties everything together with the signature zing of citrus and a gentle kick of heat. It’s an easy yet elegant dish that’s equally suitable for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavours: The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements creates a flavour explosion typical of Thai cuisine.
2. Nutritious and Fresh: Packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and lean protein from abalone, this salad is a guilt-free choice that’s both gluten- and dairy-free.
3. Customisable Heat: Make the dressing as mild or spicy as you like, suiting everyone’s taste buds.

Serves: 1 

Ingredients

Salad: 50g Retort-packed abalone (sliced) 50g Mung bean noodle 30g Carrot (julienned) 30g Snow peas or sugar snap peas (sliced lengthways) 2 Radishes (thinly sliced) ¼ Cucumber (sliced) ½ Tomato (wedged) ½ Onion (thinly sliced) 1 Spring onion (sliced) 1 tbsp Coriander (roughly chopped) 10 Mint leaves (roughly chopped) 1 Celery stalk (julienned, with leaves included) 1 tbsp Peanuts (optional, for garnish) Oak lettuce leaves (optional, as a base)

Dressing: 1 red chilli (adjust to taste) 1 green chilli (adjust to taste) 20g Garlic 40ml Lemon juice 20ml Fish sauce 20g Palm sugar 1 tsp Salt 30ml Water

 

Tips for Success Customise Your Veggies: Swap in seasonal favourites like cherry tomatoes, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts for a twist. Adjust the Spice: Remove the seeds from the chillies for a milder dressing or use fewer chillies altogether. Double the Serving: Multiply the ingredients to make this salad the star of a shared table.

Serving Suggestions As a Main Dish: Pair it with steamed jasmine rice for a light but satisfying meal. On the Side: Serve alongside grilled seafood, chicken skewers, or BBQ meats. For a Picnic: Pack it up as a refreshing and vibrant salad for outdoor dining

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Abalone and Noodles

1. Slice the abalone into thin, even pieces.
2. Soak mung bean noodles in water until soft (about 5–10 minutes). Boil in water over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, or until cooked. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. Combine red chilli, green chilli, garlic, lemon juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, salt, and water in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. Alternatively, finely chop the chillies and garlic. Add them to a bowl with the remaining dressing ingredients and mix well. Adjust the chilli level to suit your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, abalone, and all vegetables and herbs.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve

1. For a beautiful presentation, layer oak lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Pile the salad mixture on top.
2. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added crunch (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

 

Why Abalone?
At Ocean Road Abalone, we believe in showcasing the versatility of this uniquely Australian ingredient. Whether you’re creating a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, abalone brings a delicate yet distinctive touch to any recipe. Try this Thai-inspired salad for a fresh, coastal twist on a classic summer favourite!