Description
A fresh and zesty Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad that combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy, sweet, and spicy dressing. Quick to prepare in under 15 minutes, this vibrant salad is perfect as a light snack, side dish, or appetizer with bold Thai-inspired flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Nuts
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce/tamari for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion using a knife or mandoline slicer for uniform pieces. Place them in a bowl to prepare for dressing absorption.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, combine fresh lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Stir well until the sugar fully dissolves to create a balanced, vibrant dressing.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Allow the salad to sit for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and cucumbers soften slightly but remain crunchy.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Nuts: Just before serving, toss in the chopped fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts to add fresh aroma and extra crunch.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a crisper texture.
- Adjust lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes to taste for a perfect sweet, sour, and spicy balance.
- Slice vegetables ahead of time but toss with dressing immediately before serving to maintain crunch.
- Lightly toast peanuts at home for richer flavor compared to raw store-bought peanuts.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving on hot days for extra refreshment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thai cucumber salad, crunchy cucumber salad, Thai appetizer, fresh cucumber salad, quick salad, spicy cucumber salad, vegan Thai salad