Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe with Sweet and Spicy Flavor
Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, vibrant side dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Crisp cucumber slices are tossed with a zesty dressing made from rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, and a hint of chili for a light yet flavorful salad. It’s the ideal complement to grilled meats, seafood, or spicy dishes. This salad not only cools your palate but also adds a fresh crunch to your meal. Quick to prepare and bursting with authentic Thai taste, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients Of Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
For ingredients measurement check recipe card and follow the instructions.
Why You Will Love This Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
You’ll love this Thai Cucumber Salad for its crisp texture, bold flavor, and easy preparation. The tangy-sweet dressing with hints of spice makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. It’s light yet flavorful, pairing perfectly with grilled dishes or spicy entrees, offering balance and a burst of freshness in every mouthful.
Preparation Process Of Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Begin by slicing cucumbers and red onion thinly for the best crunch. In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Toss the vegetables in this vibrant dressing and let them chill for a few minutes so the flavors blend beautifully before serving with crushed peanuts and cilantro.
Step By Step Instructions
Slice the Cucumbers
Cut cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. This ensures each bite has a crisp texture that absorbs the dressing perfectly for balanced flavor and freshness.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves, creating a flavorful Thai-inspired dressing.
Combine Ingredients
Add sliced cucumbers, onions, and chili to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated with flavor.
Chill the Salad
Refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Chilling enhances crispness and allows the dressing to soak into the cucumbers perfectly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts on top just before serving. This adds a delicious nutty crunch and elevates both the flavor and presentation.
How to Serve?
- Serve as a side with grilled chicken or fish
- Pair with spicy Thai curries
- Use as a topping for rice bowls
- Add to picnic or BBQ menus
- Serve chilled for a refreshing appetizer
Tips & Variations
Add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Add carrots for extra color and texture.
Try spiralized cucumbers for a fun twist.
Replace peanuts with cashews for a creamier crunch.
Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
Recipe Card
Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Course: Cucumber Salad3-4 people
servings10
minutes95
kcalThis Thai Cucumber Salad is crisp, cool, and bursting with flavor. Made with cucumbers, onions, and a tangy-sweet dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and lime, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal. Garnished with cilantro and crushed peanuts, it offers freshness, crunch, and a touch of spice in every bite. Quick to prepare and wonderfully light, it’s an easy way to bring authentic Thai flavor to your table. Ideal for summer dinners or as a complement to grilled meats and spicy dishes.
Ingredients
English cucumbers – 2 large
Red onion (thinly sliced) – ½ cup
Fresh cilantro (chopped) – 2 tablespoons
Thai chili (sliced, optional) – 1
Rice vinegar – 3 tablespoons
Lime juice – 1 tablespoon
Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
Sugar – 1 teaspoon
Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
Garlic (minced) – 1 clove
Crushed peanuts – 2 tablespoons
Directions
- Slice the Cucumbers
- Cut cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. This ensures each bite has a crisp texture that absorbs the dressing perfectly for balanced flavor and freshness.
- Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves, creating a flavorful Thai-inspired dressing.
- Combine Ingredients
- Add sliced cucumbers, onions, and chili to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated with flavor.
- Chill the Salad
- Refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Chilling enhances crispness and allows the dressing to soak into the cucumbers perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts on top just before serving. This adds a delicious nutty crunch and elevates both the flavor and presentation.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and more crunch.
- Adjust spice level to taste. Chill before serving for maximum flavor.
- Add nuts only before serving to retain crunch.
FAQs
Conclusion
Thai Cucumber Salad delivers the perfect mix of crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and a hint of spice. It’s refreshing, quick, and pairs beautifully with any main dish. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a summer barbecue, this salad adds brightness and balance to your meal. Its authentic Thai flavors make it a versatile side that’s as healthy as it is delicious, keeping every bite fresh and flavorful.
