Name: Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 cups shredded chicken; 2 English cucumbers; 3 green onions (sliced green and white parts); Toppings: chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon chili crisp; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1-2 tablespoons water or coconut milk (if needed); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

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Introduction

This Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crunchy cucumbers and tender chicken with a savory peanut dressing. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or easy dinner.

This close-up image shows a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is sliced green cucumber rounds with a fresh, smooth texture, and the top layer consists of shredded light brown tofu strips with a soft, fibrous look. The dish is drizzled generously with a dark red chili oil sauce that has visible chili flakes and seeds, adding a spicy and oily shine. Scattered on top are small white sesame seeds and chopped green onions that add a touch of brightness. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 cups shredded chicken
2 English cucumbers
3 green onions (sliced green and white parts)
1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili crisp
1 clove garlic (minced)
1-2 tablespoons water or coconut milk (if needed)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Toppings: chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Use a mandolin or a sharp kitchen knife to slice the cucumbers into uniform, thin slices. Lay them in a single layer between paper towels, roll them up, and set aside to remove excess moisture for a few minutes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add all the peanut sauce ingredients: peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey, toasted sesame oil, chili crisp, minced garlic, and water or coconut milk if needed. Whisk together until smooth.
Step 3: Add the cucumbers, shredded chicken, and green onions to the bowl. Toss everything together to coat well with the sauce.
Step 4: Garnish the salad with additional green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and drizzles of chili crisp before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped roasted peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili crisp or omit it altogether.
Substitute shredded chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Use coconut milk instead of water to add a richer, creamier sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as cucumbers may lose their crispness over time. If needed, gently toss the salad again before serving. Avoid reheating; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a gold fork lifting a bite of food from a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy mixture. The lifted bite contains several thin, green cucumber slices with charred edges, mixed with chunks of orange-spread-coated food and sprinkled with small green herbs and red flakes. The background shows the same creamy mix and green cucumber slices in the bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the dressing and shredded chicken in advance, but it’s best to slice the cucumbers and combine everything just before serving to maintain crispness.

What can I use instead of chili crisp?

If you don’t have chili crisp, you can use chili flakes mixed with a bit of oil for heat and flavor, or substitute with a mild chili sauce to suit your taste.