If you’re in the mood for a light, refreshing dish with a burst of flavors, look no further than this Thai Cucumber Salad. Packed with crisp cucumbers, aromatic herbs, and a tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, spicy curries, or as a standalone appetizer. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and absolutely delicious, making it a must-try recipe for your next meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers work best)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1–2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion, then place them in a large mixing bowl.Add the chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and sliced chili peppers (if using).
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Carefully mix the vegetables and herbs, ensuring that each piece is lightly coated with the dressing.
- Let It Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the dressing to meld with the ingredients.
- Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts over the top for added crunch and garnish with a few extra mint or cilantro leaves if desired.Serve chilled as a side dish or appetizer.
Conclusion
This Thai Cucumber Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. With its crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and perfectly balanced dressing, this salad is a versatile addition to your recipe collection. It’s a fantastic way to bring a fresh, tangy twist to any meal.
Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad with Zesty Dressing
A refreshing Thai-inspired cucumber salad with atangy dressing and fresh herbs, perfect as a side or appetizer.
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers (thinly sliced (English cucumbers work best))
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1 –2 red chili peppers (thinly sliced (optional, adjust to taste))
- 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Prepare the Salad: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and sliced chili peppers (if using).
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Carefully mix the vegetables and herbs, ensuring that each piece is lightly coated with the dressing.
- Let It Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the dressing to meld with the ingredients.
- Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts over the top for added crunch and garnish with a few extra mint or cilantro leaves if desired. Serve chilled as a side dish or appetizer.