When the weather heats up, so does the craving for food that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Thai cuisine is known for its balance of bold spices, bright herbs, and cooling ingredients, making it ideal for warm days. At our Lexington Thai restaurant, we offer several dishes that are perfect for summer—whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or planning a seasonal gathering.
If you’re looking for a light, healthy appetizer to kick off your meal, seaweed salad is a great choice. Thin, green seaweed strands are tossed with a sesame-soy dressing, delivering a mix of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors. It’s served chilled, making it incredibly refreshing on a hot day. Rich in minerals and low in calories, seaweed salad is a smart, satisfying way to start any summer meal.
Som Tum, or green papaya salad, is one of the most iconic dishes in Thai cuisine—and for good reason. Crisp shreds of unripe papaya are pounded together with garlic, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, tomatoes, and peanuts, creating a salad that’s crunchy, spicy, tangy, and just a bit sweet. It’s served cold or at room temperature and often eaten with sticky rice or grilled meat. The bold flavors and cooling textures make som tum a natural choice for summer, whether you’re looking for something light or a side that wakes up your taste buds.
Larb Gai is a flavorful minced chicken salad packed with herbs like mint and cilantro, combined with red onion, lime juice, fish sauce, and toasted rice powder. Served slightly warm or at room temperature, larb gai is both savory and zesty, offering layers of flavor in every bite. It’s typically enjoyed with fresh lettuce or cabbage leaves for scooping, making it perfect for a light lunch or shared appetizer. The citrus and herbs keep it fresh and lively, ideal for a warm afternoon meal.
Our Yummy Salad is a summer favorite for good reason. You can choose from grilled beef, shrimp, or salmon, each served over a vibrant bed of fresh greens. The salad is layered with red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, chopped scallions, and plenty of fresh coriander. A bold, spicy lemon dressing ties everything together, adding brightness and just the right amount of heat.
Fresh mint leaves bring a cooling finish that balances the richness of the protein and the kick of the dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and satisfying—perfect for a warm day when you want something healthy that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
These Thai salads and small plates are more than just delicious—they’re built for the season. Light, vibrant, and packed with flavor, they’re exactly what you want when the temperature rises.
Come cool down with bold, fresh flavors. Visit one of your favorite Lexington Thai restaurants today and discover your new favorite summer dishes!