Name: Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb English cucumbers; ⅓ cup red onions, sliced; 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped; 1 clove garlic, grated; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp monk fruit/allulose (or sweetener of choice); 1 tbsp Sambal; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 1 tsp salt; ¼ cup peanuts, chopped

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish bursting with vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. It’s a perfect side to lighten up any meal or enjoy as a cool snack on warm days.

The image shows a close-up of a spoonful of fresh cucumber salad. The salad has thin, bright green cucumber slices stacked with pale red onion slivers, small pieces of red chili, cilantro leaves, and crunchy light brown nuts. The spoon is gold, and in the background, a white bowl holds more of the cucumber salad on a white marbled surface. The colors are vibrant, with green and red standing out clearly against the soft white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb English cucumbers
⅓ cup red onions, sliced
¼ cup peanuts, chopped
1 clove garlic, grated
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp monk fruit/allulose (or sweetener of choice)
1 tbsp Sambal
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Wash, dry, and slice the cucumbers. Optionally, peel some of the skins using a citrus zester to improve texture.
Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, grated garlic, lime juice, Sambal, salt, toasted sesame oil, and sweetener until well combined.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped peanuts, sliced red onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add sliced fresh chili or shredded carrots.
Substitute peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Adjust sweetness and spiciness to your preference by varying the amount of sweetener and Sambal.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently toss again before serving if separated. Avoid storing with dressing for too long, as cucumbers may become soggy.

How to Serve

A white wide shallow bowl filled with multiple layers of thinly sliced green cucumber rounds making up the main layer. Scattered thin purple onion slices add contrast between the cucumber layers. Small pieces of crushed light brown peanuts are sprinkled over the cucumbers and onions. Tiny bright red chili slices are scattered on top with fresh green cilantro leaves placed mostly around the outer edge and mixed inside. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled all over the dish, all sitting on a white marbled surface with a wooden spoon partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, regular cucumbers can be used, but English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which provides a crisper texture and less bitterness.

What can I substitute for Sambal if I don’t have any?

You can use a combination of chili paste and a dash of fish sauce or hot sauce as a substitute to mimic Sambal’s flavor and heat level.