Why Make This Recipe
Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and texture. It combines crunchy cucumbers, sweet and tangy dressing, and the crunch of peanuts. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for hot days when you want something light. Plus, it’s a great way to add more veggies to your meal!
How to Make Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 English cucumbers (sliced ¼ inch thin)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ red onion (halved and sliced ¼ inch thin)
- ½ cup peanuts (chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Directions:
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Place half of the sliced cucumbers in a strainer and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over them. Add the second layer of cucumbers and sprinkle with another teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out extra moisture. Rinse the cucumbers, put them on a paper towel, and pat dry. (This step is optional but keeps the cucumbers crisp.)
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In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, peanuts, and cilantro. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, honey (or granulated sugar), sesame oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir until combined.
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Pour the sauce over the cucumber mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Add salt to taste.
How to Serve Thai Cucumber Salad
Serve Thai Cucumber Salad as a side dish to grilled meats or as part of a larger meal. It can also be a light lunch on its own. If you want to make it even more colorful, you can add some sliced bell peppers or carrots.
How to Store Thai Cucumber Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat the salad within a day or two. The longer it sits, the more the cucumbers will lose their crunch.
Tips to Make Thai Cucumber Salad
- Make sure to slice the cucumbers thinly for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- For an even fresher taste, use fresh lime juice instead of bottled juice.
Variation
You can add diced avocado, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor in your Thai Cucumber Salad. If you want to make it more filling, try adding cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
2. Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can mix equal parts of honey and sriracha to create a similar sweet and spicy flavor.
3. How long will this salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crispness.
Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Salad Components
- 2 pieces English cucumbers (sliced ¼ inch thin)
- ½ pieces red onion (halved and sliced ¼ inch thin)
- ½ cup peanuts (chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar Adjust for sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice Fresh lime juice preferred.
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes For heat.
- to taste Salt Adjust based on preference.
Salting Cucumbers
- 2 teaspoons salt For drawing moisture from cucumbers.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place half of the sliced cucumbers in a strainer and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over them. Add the second layer of cucumbers and sprinkle with another teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out extra moisture.
- Rinse the cucumbers, put them on a paper towel, and pat dry. (This step is optional but keeps the cucumbers crisp.)
Mixing Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, peanuts, and cilantro. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, honey (or granulated sugar), sesame oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir until combined.
Final Assembly
- Pour the sauce over the cucumber mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Add salt to taste.