Fresh, crunchy, and full of bright flavor, Thai cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, curries, rice bowls, and spicy dishes. Crisp cucumbers are tossed with a tangy-sweet dressing, fresh herbs, chili, and crunchy peanuts for a simple salad that delivers a delicious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Easy Thai Cucumber Salad
This quick cucumber salad comes together with fresh ingredients and a simple dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for warm-weather meals or whenever you need a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers and slice them into thin, even rounds. If desired, partially peel the cucumbers for a striped appearance.
Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
2. Slice the Vegetables
Thinly slice the red onion and chili. Chop the cilantro and mint, then add everything to the bowl with the cucumbers.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes until the sugar has dissolved.
Taste and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or heat to your preference.
4. Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Let the Flavors Develop
Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 10–15 minutes. This gives the cucumbers time to absorb some of the dressing while maintaining their crunch.
6. Garnish & Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the salad.
Serve chilled alongside grilled chicken, satay, curries, seafood, or your favorite rice dishes.
Why This Recipe Works
The crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing base that balances the bold flavors of the dressing. Rice vinegar and lime juice add acidity, sugar brings sweetness, and fish sauce provides savory depth.
Fresh herbs add brightness, while chili and roasted peanuts contribute heat and crunch. Together, these ingredients create a salad that is light, balanced, and full of contrasting textures.
Tips for the Best Thai Cucumber Salad
- Use firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunchy texture.
- Slice the vegetables evenly so every bite has a balanced combination of ingredients.
- Adjust the chili depending on your preferred spice level.
- Add the peanuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Don't let the salad sit too long after dressing, as the cucumbers will gradually release water.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the fish sauce with a vegetarian fish sauce alternative or a small amount of soy sauce.
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