Thai Shrimp Salad Rolls Recipe – Fresh & Flavorful Appetizer with Nam Jim Sauce

Thai Shrimp Salad Rolls Recipe

This Thai shrimp salad rolls recipe is a fresh and vibrant appetizer packed with herbs, crisp vegetables, and tender shrimp wrapped in delicate rice paper. Featured on CombiNation and created by host Bianca Osbourne, these rolls are paired with a bold, zesty nam jim sauce that brings together sweet, sour, and spicy flavors in every bite.

The Inspiration

Inspired by the street food culture of Thailand, these salad rolls highlight the balance of freshness and bold flavor that defines Thai cuisine. Combining fragrant herbs like mint and cilantro with light rice noodles and perfectly cooked shrimp, the dish delivers both texture and brightness. On CombiNation, Bianca Osbourne elevates the classic roll with a rich, nutty nam jim dipping sauce made from cashews, lime, and chili—bringing a modern twist to a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

Salad Rolls

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fish sauce, divided
• 1 pound (454 g) unpeeled large (16-20 count) shrimp
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sambal chili paste
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sugar
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded, and cut into matchsticks
• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) fresh mint, chopped
• 12 leaves Bibb, Boston, or other soft lettuce, shredded
• ½ package of rice noodles, cooked according to package directions
• Twelve 8 1/2-inch (22 cm) round rice paper wrappers

Nam Jim

• 2 peeled garlic cloves
• 1-2 green Thai chilies
• 1 small bunch cilantro – leaves, roots and stems
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar
• 2 ounces (57 g) roasted unsalted cashews
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fish sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice (~2 limes)

Method

For the Salad Rolls

• Bring 8 cups (2 L) water to a boil in a large pot set over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fish sauce. Add the shrimp and cook until just firm, 2-3 minutes. Remove the cooked shrimp to a cutting board and cool for 3 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel, devein, and cut in half lengthwise. Set aside.
• Whisk together lime juice, remaining fish sauce, chili paste, and sugar to make a dressing.  Dress the noodles and toss well to combine.
• Fill a pie dish with warm water. Dip 1 rice paper wrapper into the water for 10-15 seconds, until the wrapper is pliable and slightly tacky, then transfer to a cutting board.  Note that the hotter the water, the quicker the process, and that if too hot, there is greater risk of tearing and breaking.
• Over the softened wrapper, lay 3-4 slices of the shrimp, pink side down, in a line across the middle, so they can be seen through the wrapper. Over the shrimp, add a pinch of the lettuce, then noodles, veggies, then herbs. Bring the bottom edge of the wrap tightly over the filling, and then fold in the 2 sides. Finish rolling from bottom to top until the entire wrapper is rolled, being careful not to tear the rice paper. Place on a plate and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
• Repeat process with the remaining wrappers until the filling is gone. Keep cool until ready to serve.

For the Nam Jim

• Combine garlic, chilies, cilantro, onions, sugar, cashews, oil, fish sauce, and lime juice in a blender, and blend until smooth.

To serve

• For a nice presentation, dot a black slate serving dish with 5 small spoonfuls of the Nam Jim, cut a chilled roll into 5 pieces and present in a line over the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These Thai shrimp salad rolls are perfect for light lunches, appetizers, or as part of a larger shared meal. Serve them chilled or at room temperature alongside extra nam jim sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with refreshing beverages like iced tea, sparkling water with citrus, or crisp white wine. For entertaining, arrange the sliced rolls on a platter with the sauce dotted underneath or served on the side, allowing guests to enjoy both the visual appeal and the layered flavors of this fresh, healthy dish.

Final Thoughts

This Thai shrimp salad rolls recipe is a celebration of freshness, balance, and simplicity. With vibrant herbs, tender shrimp, and a bold dipping sauce, it captures the essence of Thai cuisine in every bite. Inspired by CombiNation and crafted by Bianca Osbourne, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to create a light yet flavorful appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.