This Fresh and Tangy Thai Cucumber Salad is a burst of flavors! Crunchy cucumbers mix with fresh herbs, a touch of lime, and a bit of sweetness. It’s refreshing and oh-so-simple!
Perfect for hot days, this salad is like a mini party for your taste buds. I love having it as a side dish or just snacking on it. Who knew health could taste this good? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for a sweeter, crunchier bite. If you can’t find these, regular cucumbers will work, but consider peeling them to reduce bitterness.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and mint are a must! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with basil for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs really brighten the salad.
Fish Sauce: This adds umami and depth. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, opt for soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. It will change the flavor slightly, but still be delicious!
Thai Red Chilies: Adjust these based on your spice preference. If they’re hard to find, crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños can be used. Just remember to keep tasting!
Palm Sugar: This is common in Thai cuisine for its caramel-like sweetness, but brown sugar or honey are good substitutes if you don’t have palm sugar.
How Can I Make Sure the Salad Has Great Flavor?
The key to a flavorful salad is letting it sit a bit! After mixing everything, allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes. This gives the cucumbers and herbs time to soak up the dressing’s flavors.
- Mix the dressing well to ensure the sugar dissolves fully, preventing grit in your salad.
- Don’t skip the time to marinate; it enhances the overall flavor.
- Garnish just before serving to keep the peanuts crunchy!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing Thai cucumber salad every time! Enjoy your tasty creation!
Fresh and Tangy Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1-2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (palm sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-15 minutes of resting time for the flavors to come together. In total, you’ll be enjoying your fresh and tangy salad in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by slicing your cucumbers and red onion thinly. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint leaves. These fresh ingredients will bring a wonderful crunch and flavor to your salad!
2. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar (if using), minced garlic, and finely chopped Thai chilies. Make sure to whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth. This is where the magic happens!
3. Mixing it All Together:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. It’s important to mix thoroughly to get that burst of flavor in every bite!
4. Letting it Marinate:
Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
5. Final Touches:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and any extra mint leaves on top. This adds a wonderful crunch and fresh aroma that elevates the dish.
6. Serving Your Salad:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing snack all on its own! Dive in and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful and refreshing salad!
FAQ for Fresh and Tangy Thai Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English and Persian cucumbers are ideal for their sweetness and crunch, regular cucumbers will work too. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them to reduce any bitterness.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Salad?
You can control the heat by adjusting the number of Thai red chilies used in the recipe. Start with one chili and add more if you’re feeling adventurous! Alternatively, crushed red pepper flakes can be used for a similar effect.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the cucumbers may become a bit softer. Enjoy cold for a refreshing snack!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just toss everything together and let it marinate in the fridge. However, it’s best to add the peanuts right before serving to keep them crunchy!
Feel free to ask if you have any additional questions about this recipe! Enjoy your cooking!
