This Fresh and Easy Thai Cucumber Salad is a crisp and refreshing dish that’s bursting with flavor! With crunchy cucumbers, tangy lime juice, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a perfect side salad.
I love making this salad when it’s hot outside—it’s light, easy to whip up, and it just screams summer! Plus, it pairs wonderfully with any grilled food. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I love using English cucumbers for their crunch and fewer seeds. If they’re not available, regular cucumbers work too! Just peel them if the skin is thick.
Red Onion: Red onions add a nice color and a milder flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with shallots or green onions for a different taste.
Chili Peppers: Adjust the number of chili peppers based on your spice tolerance. If you need it milder, jalapeños or sweet bell peppers can be used instead.
Fish Sauce: This adds depth to the salad. For a vegetarian option, try soy sauce or coconut aminos, which have a similar umami flavor.
Peanuts: They provide a nice crunch! If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or toasted chickpeas can be a great substitute.
How Do I Prepare the Perfect Dressing?
Getting the dressing just right is key to this salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Whisk them together until the sugar completely dissolves—this typically takes a minute.
- Taste the dressing! Feel free to adjust it by adding more lime juice for tartness or sugar if you want it sweeter.
Letting the salad sit for a bit allows the dressing to soak into the vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor. Give it a gentle toss before serving, and enjoy!
Fresh and Easy Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 small red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes on slicing and mixing, then just let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers and red onion. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Next, add in the thinly sliced red chili peppers and the chopped cilantro. This will create a colorful and fresh base for your salad.
2. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Mix until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing should have a nice balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavors, so feel free to adjust to your liking!
3. Combining the Ingredients:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently, making sure all the vegetables are coated in the dressing. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors blend together!
4. Letting It Sit:
Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the cucumbers and onions soften a bit and absorb the dressing flavors, making it even tastier.
5. Serving the Salad:
Before serving, sprinkle the roughly chopped roasted peanuts over the top for an extra bit of crunch. Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side. Enjoy!
FAQ for Fresh and Easy Thai Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are great for their crunch and minimal seeds, regular garden cucumbers work just fine. Just peel them if the skin is thick or waxy for a smoother texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftover, give it a good toss before serving again to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just be sure to wait until just before serving to add the peanuts to keep them crunchy. If made too early, the cucumbers may release more water, making the salad a bit soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative, try using soy sauce or coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor without the fish. You can also look for mushroom-based sauces for a richer taste.
