Thai cuisine is famous for transforming simple vegetables into vibrant and delicious dishes. One excellent example is Morning Glory Salad, known in Thailand as Yum Pak Boong. This refreshing salad combines tender morning glory (water spinach) with aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Thai dressing that perfectly balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

Light, nutritious, and bursting with freshness, Morning Glory Salad is a popular choice for warm days, healthy meals, and Thai-inspired gatherings.

What is Morning Glory?

Morning glory, also called water spinach, is a leafy green vegetable widely used throughout Southeast Asia. It has tender stems, delicate leaves, and a mild earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with bold Thai seasonings.

In this salad, the morning glory is briefly blanched to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture before being tossed with a flavorful dressing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and nutrient-rich
  • Refreshing and light
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Perfect as a side dish or light meal
  • Authentic Thai flavors

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 300 g fresh morning glory (water spinach)
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, crushed

For the Thai Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 1–2 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Colander
  • Serving platter

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Step 1: Prepare the Morning Glory

Wash the morning glory thoroughly.

Trim off any tough stem ends and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the morning glory for about 30–45 seconds until just tender but still bright green.

Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.

Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Fish sauce
  • Lime juice
  • Palm sugar
  • Garlic
  • Chopped chilies

Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.

Taste and adjust:

  • More lime for extra sourness
  • More fish sauce for saltiness
  • More sugar for sweetness
  • More chili for heat

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Blanched morning glory
  • Cucumber
  • Carrot
  • Red onion
  • Mint leaves
  • Cilantro

Pour the dressing over the vegetables.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving plate.

Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts over the top.

Garnish with additional herbs and lime wedges if desired.

Serve immediately while fresh and crisp.

Chef's Tips

  • Do not overcook the morning glory to maintain texture.
  • Ice water helps keep the vegetable bright green.
  • Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor.
  • Add grilled shrimp for a protein-rich meal.
  • Toast peanuts before crushing for extra aroma.

Variations

Shrimp Morning Glory Salad

Add grilled or boiled shrimp for a seafood version.

Vegetarian Version

Replace fish sauce with light soy sauce or mushroom seasoning sauce.

Spicy Thai Style

Increase the amount of bird's eye chilies and add chili flakes.

Peanut Lovers Version

Mix extra crushed peanuts directly into the salad.

Health Benefits

Morning glory is packed with:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Iron
  • Fiber
  • Antioxidants

Combined with fresh herbs and vegetables, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Morning Glory Salad pairs wonderfully with:

  • Thai grilled chicken
  • Sticky rice
  • Grilled fish
  • Thai barbecue dishes
  • Green papaya salad
  • Tom Yum soup

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.

If needed, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Morning Glory Salad (Yum Pak Boong) showcases the beauty of Thai cooking—simple ingredients elevated through vibrant herbs and a perfectly balanced dressing. Crisp vegetables, fresh aromatics, and bold Thai flavors come together to create a refreshing dish that is healthy, colorful, and incredibly delicious.

Whether served alongside grilled seafood, spicy Thai mains, or enjoyed as a light lunch, this salad delivers authentic Thai freshness in every bite.