If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant side dish that bursts with flavor and texture, this Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Picture crisp cucumbers tossed in a luscious sweet and spicy dressing, all topped off with a delightful crunch from roasted peanuts. It’s the perfect balance of refreshing, tangy, and nutty notes that will brighten up any meal and impress your friends. This salad is effortless to whip up yet delivers a remarkable taste that feels like a special treat every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully, each playing a crucial role in making this Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe truly shine. From the refreshing crispness of cucumbers to the crunchy texture of peanuts, every component adds something special to the mix.
- 2 large cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for that perfect crunch and refreshing flavor.
- 3 green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild oniony bite that complements the dressing.
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts: Roughly chopped to add a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.
- 4 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce: This brings the signature sweet and spicy taste essential to the dressing.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the salad beautifully.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Balances the vinegar and chili sauce with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 dash sesame oil: A few drops infuse a delicate nutty fragrance without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
How to Make Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and chopping the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces or thin slices, depending on your texture preference. Slice the green onions thinly as well. Then, combine the cucumbers and green onions in a large bowl and set this fresh base aside. This step ensures your vegetables stay crisp while you prepare the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the Thai sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Whisk everything until the sugar completely dissolves and the sauce feels smooth. This mixture will provide the perfect zingy, sweet, and slightly spicy coating that makes the salad irresistible.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and green onion mixture, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly. The cucumbers soak up the flavors but remain crunchy, making each bite refreshing and delightful.
Step 4: Add Peanuts for Crunch
Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving. These add a wonderful texture contrast and a toasty, nutty flavor that makes every bite more exciting. Remember to keep the salad chilled and enjoy it within 2 hours for the freshest taste and crunch.
How to Serve Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
To elevate this salad further, consider garnishing it with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Both add aromatic notes and vibrant color that complement the existing flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or even a spicy Thai curry. Its refreshing nature helps balance out heavier dishes with a crisp, cool, and tangy punch, perfect for summer meals or anytime you want a light side dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out cucumber boat for an eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, layering it in clear glass jars can show off the colorful layers and make it ideal for picnics or packed lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the fresh cucumbers and dressing, it’s best to eat this salad within a few hours of making it. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge but know the cucumbers might lose some crunch over time.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because cucumbers release water when frozen and thawed, making the texture mushy and unappealing. It’s a dish best enjoyed fresh for that signature crunch.
Reheating
Since this salad is served chilled and features fresh ingredients, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. The flavors and textures are at their best cold and freshly tossed.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Cashews or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives, lending a slightly different but equally delightful crunch and flavor.
How spicy is the dressing?
The Thai sweet chili sauce provides a mild to moderate heat balanced with sweetness. If you prefer less heat, use a mild sweet chili sauce or reduce the amount slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, feel free to mix in thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate balance of the original flavors.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes! This Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients only. Just verify your Thai sweet chili sauce is free of fish sauce or other animal products.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best to dress the salad no earlier than 30 minutes before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and prevent sogginess. Prep the vegetables in advance and store them separately if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Fresh, flavorful, and quick to make, it adds an exciting twist to your mealtime lineup and wakes up your taste buds in the most delightful way. Give it a try soon and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish featuring crisp cucumbers and green onions tossed in a slightly sweet and spicy Thai dressing made with sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Topped with crunchy roasted peanuts, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a light appetizer or accompaniment to Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, chopped or sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
Dressing
- 4 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 dash sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop or slice the cucumbers and slice the green onions, then combine them together in a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Thai sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, a dash of sesame oil, and salt until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers and green onions, tossing gently until evenly coated.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top for added crunch. Keep the salad chilled and consume within 2 hours for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best taste, use freshly roasted peanuts or lightly toast raw peanuts at home for extra crunch and flavor.
- If you prefer a less spicy salad, adjust the amount of Thai sweet chili sauce to your liking.
- Consume the salad within 2 hours as cucumbers release moisture and may become soggy over time.
- This salad is best served chilled to maintain its crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
