This Thai cucumber salad is super fresh and easy to make! With crunchy cucumbers, tangy lime juice, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a refreshing dish for any time of day.
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a zesty side dish or a light snack. Trust me, you’ll keep coming back for more! 🥒💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are key for this salad. I recommend seedless options like Persian or English cucumbers for extra crunch. If you can’t find these, regular cucumbers work too, just peel them if they’re waxy.
Red Onion: Red onions add a mild sweetness. If you prefer a less pungent flavor, substitute with green onions or shallots. They’re great for a milder taste!
Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: These little chilies pack a punch! If spice isn’t your thing, you can use jalapeños or even omit them entirely. For a milder kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds a burst of flavor, while mint is optional. If you’re not a cilantro fan, consider parsley or basil instead. Both will give a fresh taste!
Roasted Peanuts: They provide crunch and nutty flavor. You can use cashews or skip them for a nut-free version.
How Do You Make the Dressing Smoothly?
The dressing is where all the magic happens! To avoid clumps of sugar, make sure to whisk the ingredients thoroughly. Here’s a quick method:
- Start with the rice vinegar and lime juice in a bowl.
- Add palm or brown sugar and use a whisk to dissolve it before adding fish sauce and garlic.
- Mix until everything is well blended – this ensures a tasty dressing that coats every bite!
This dressing can easily be adjusted to your taste. Feel free to add more lime juice for tang or a little extra sugar for sweetness. Just taste as you go!
Fresh and Easy Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. In total, you’ll spend roughly 25 minutes from start to finish before enjoying a refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and minced garlic. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing is what makes the salad so flavorful, so make sure it’s well combined!
2. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, chopped chilies, cilantro, and mint leaves (if using). Make sure to mix everything together gently, so the cucumbers and onions stay crisp.
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss it all gently with a large spoon or salad tongs until everything is nicely coated in that tasty dressing!
4. Let it Marinate:
Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes. This allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing and the flavors to come together beautifully. You can give it a stir halfway through if you’d like!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some roasted peanuts on top for a delightful crunch. You can enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!
Enjoy your fresh Thai cucumber salad! It’s the perfect side dish for any meal or a light snack on its own. 🌱🥒
FAQ about Fresh and Easy Thai Cucumber Salad
Can I Make This Cucumber Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance! However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp. If you need to prepare it ahead, mix the salad ingredients and store them in the fridge, then add the dressing right before you’re ready to serve.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, you can make a simple homemade dressing with rice vinegar, lime juice, and a little bit of salt for flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the cucumbers may soften after sitting in the dressing, so it’s best to consume it sooner rather than later for the best texture.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While cucumbers are traditional, you can add or substitute other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even radishes. Adjust the dressing to taste based on the additional veggies you include!
