This Thai cucumber salad is super fresh and crunchy! With cool cucumbers, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy dressing, it’s the perfect light dish for any meal.
I love how quick it is to whip up—just chop, mix, and enjoy! Plus, it’s so refreshing you might want to eat it all summer long! 🍉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use large, firm cucumbers for crunch. Persian cucumbers are great too—smaller and sweeter. If they’re unavailable, English cucumbers work well. Just peel if the skin is thick.
Red Onion: This adds a nice bite. You could swap for shallots for a milder flavor, or even green onions if you prefer a subtler taste.
Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro gives an authentic Thai flavor. If you’re not a fan, try mint or Thai basil for freshness. Just remember to use less as these can be more potent!
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts provide crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds are a tasty alternative. Pumpkin seeds also add a nice crunch.
Fish Sauce: This ingredient enhances umami. For a vegetarian option, substitute with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce. Just be mindful of the saltiness if you go this route!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Flavorful?
It’s all about letting the flavors blend! After mixing your salad, let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing, making every bite delicious!
- Also, adjust the dressing to your taste. If you like it tangier, add more lime juice or vinegar. For sweetness, increase the sugar a bit.
- Finally, sprinkle the peanuts just before serving. This keeps them crunchy instead of soggy.
Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1-2 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, and it’s best if you let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. So, total time to enjoy this delicious salad is around 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by slicing the cucumbers and red onion. Make the pieces nice and thin so they combine well and soak up the dressing. Add them to a large mixing bowl together with the chopped cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture looks smooth.
3. Combine and Mix:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spoon so that all the veggies are well coated in the dressing.
4. Add Heat (Optional):
If you want a spicy kick, mix in the sliced red Thai chilies at this point. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the heat evenly.
5. Final Touches:
Just before serving, sprinkle the roughly chopped peanuts on top for that perfect crunch!
6. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once chilled, serve it up as a light and refreshing side dish or appetizer. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While large cucumbers are ideal, you can also use Persian cucumbers for a sweeter taste, or English cucumbers if you prefer less seediness. Just slice them thinly for the best texture!
Is There a Vegetarian Substitute for Fish Sauce?
Yes! If you’d like a vegetarian alternative, you can use soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce. Just keep in mind that these alternatives can add different flavors, so adjust to taste accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the cucumbers may release some water over time, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the cucumbers’ crunch, and combine shortly before serving.
