Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Thai Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish! Made with crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, this salad is as refreshing as it is satisfying. It's great for summer barbecues, light lunches, or as a colorful addition to your dinner table!
Love the refreshing taste of cucumbers? You won't want to miss my Egyptian and Cucumber Tomato Salad!
📍Thailand
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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you need a quick side dish for a barbecue.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tangy lime juice, sweet sugar, savory garlic, and crunchy peanuts creates a vibrant and irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side dish, a light and healthy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing addition to a potluck, this salad is perfect for any occasion!
Are you ready to add a twist to your mealtime lineup? Let me tell you, this Thai cucumber salad is one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes to make for dinner. It’s the perfect mix of crisp veggies and bold flavors, and it has the best satisfying crunch with every bite. I love how the cucumbers and red onions pair perfectly with the roasted peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds. And don’t even get me started on the tangy-sweet dressing that you toss it all in—it ties everything together so beautifully!
I love serving this salad with Baked Chicken Satay, but it also works great for any occasion. I’ve served it as a light side dish for dinner, I've brought it to summer barbecues, and I've even enjoyed it for a quick lunch. It’s one of those recipes that feels effortless but also tastes like something really special. Once you try it, I know you’ll be hooked! So, what are we waiting for? Let’s make it!
🥘 Ingredients
Salad:
- English Cucumbers: These cucumbers are crisp and refreshing with fewer seeds, making them perfect for salads. You can substitute it with Persian cucumbers for a similar texture and flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the onion slices in cold ice water before adding.
- Roasted Peanuts: They provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. For a peanut-free option, swap with roasted cashews or sunflower seeds.
- Cilantro: This herb adds fresh, citrusy notes to the salad. If you’re not a fan, you can replace it with fresh parsley or omit it entirely.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: These add a hint of nuttiness and a nice crunch.
Dressing:
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dressing a savory kick. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the tangy elements. You can also replace it with honey or maple syrup.
- Rice Vinegar: This mild vinegar adds tang without overpowering. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can also be used.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides bright acidity. You can also use fresh lemon juice.
- Olive Oil: A neutral olive oil works well for the dressing. For a more authentic flavor, use sesame oil or a mix of the two.
- Salt: A small amount enhances all the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These add a subtle heat to the dressing. Skip if you prefer it mild.
*Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the recipe card, which includes the full list of ingredients and quantities.
🔪 Instructions
- Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
2. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
3. Toss the dressing with the salad. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
🌟 Pro Tip
To prevent the salad from becoming watery, you can dry out the cucumbers by salting them. Thinly slice the cucumbers, place in a colander (with something underneath like a baking sheet to catch excess water), and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Let rest for 15-20 minutes. You'll notice water will begin pooling up underneath the colander. Remove the cucumbers and gently pat dry with a paper towel before adding them to the mixing bowl.
🧂 Serving Ideas
Serve this Thai cucumber salad as a crisp and flavorful side dish to complement all your favorite meals! Its tangy-sweet dressing and crunchy textures pair wonderfully with grilled dishes like chicken satay, shrimp skewers, or steak. Add a side of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a complete meal.
For something heartier, try serving it alongside creamy curries like Easy Butter Chicken, massaman curry, or Thai green curry. The light, zesty flavors of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of these dishes.
This salad is also an excellent addition to summer barbecues or picnics, pairing perfectly with burgers, kebabs, or grilled vegetables. Don’t forget to serve it with a squeeze of lime and an extra sprinkle of peanuts for even more flavor!
🍴Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store any leftover Thai cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tip: For the best results, store the dressing separately if you’re making the salad ahead of time. Toss the cucumbers and onions with the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and flavorful!
💭 FAQs
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes, sliced Thai chilies, or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for an extra kick.
Yes, you can! If using regular cucumbers, peel them and remove the seeds for the best texture.
More Salad Recipes
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📋 Recipe
Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 English cucumbers thinly sliced
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup roasted peanuts chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Toss the dressing with the salad and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld, before serving.
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