This Thai Cucumber Salad is a cool and crunchy treat, packed with fresh cucumbers, colorful veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a hot day or as a side dish at any meal!
Making this salad always lifts my spirits! Just chop, mix, and chill for a refreshing bite. I love adding a sprinkle of peanuts on top for that extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: The star of this salad! For the best crunch, use firm cucumbers like Persian or English cucumbers. If you prefer, you can substitute with zucchini slices for a different twist.
Red Onion: Red onions add a lovely color and sharpness. If you find them too strong, try using green onions for a milder taste or shallots for sweetness.
Red Chili Peppers: These add heat and flavor. If you’re not a fan of spice, skip them or substitute with bell peppers for color without the heat.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and mint bring freshness. If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can use parsley or omit it altogether. Basil also works nicely for a new flavor profile.
Fish Sauce: This gives depth to the dressing. For a vegetarian option, soy sauce or tamari works well. You could even use a bit of miso mixed with water for flavor.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor in the Dressing?
The dressing really makes this salad pop. Here’s how to ensure it’s flavorful:
- Start with fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it can taste flat.
- When mixing in sugar, dissolve it completely to avoid graininess. Palm sugar adds a nice depth, but regular sugar works too.
- Always adjust the balance! Taste the dressing first and feel free to add a splash more lime juice or fish sauce to suit your preference.
Let the dressing sit for a few minutes after mixing; this allows the garlic’s flavor to infuse. Just before pouring over the salad, give it a stir!
Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (palm sugar preferred)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. This includes around 10 minutes for chopping and mixing the ingredients, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for the salad to sit and allow the flavors to blend. Perfect for a quick, bright side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and red chili peppers (if you’re using them). Toss in the chopped cilantro and mint leaves for a burst of freshness!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, freshly squeezed lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure that all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
4. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the taste!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts on top for that delightful crunch. Serve it chilled, and enjoy your vibrant and rejuvenating Thai Cucumber Salad!
Enjoy every refreshing bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While traditional cucumbers work great, you can also use Persian or English cucumbers for a sweeter flavor and less bitterness. Zucchini slices are a fun alternative if you’re looking for something different.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version. For a similar umami flavor, try mixing a bit of miso paste with water or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the cucumbers can become too soft over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to keep the cucumbers crunchy. If you do mix them early, be sure to store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness!
