Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that has become a staple in Thai cuisine. This vibrant salad features crisp cucumbers, a zesty dressing, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for serving as a side or enjoying as a light meal, it embodies the essence of Thai flavors. With its light, crunchy texture and a burst of flavors, every bite is a celebration of freshness. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Thai Cucumber Salad!
Why You’ll Love This Thai Cucumber Salad
This Thai Cucumber Salad recipe is not just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this dish:
- Quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy days.
- Low in calories, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to fresh vegetables.
- Customizable to suit your taste with various add-ins.
- Great as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch.
- Perfectly pairs with spicy Thai dishes, enhancing their flavors.
This spicy Thai cucumber salad is ideal for summer gatherings or as a refreshing snack. Its vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients for Thai Cucumber Salad
Gather these items:
- 2 medium Cucumbers (Can use English cucumbers for fewer seeds)
- 0.5 medium Red Onions (Shallots can be used as a substitute)
- 1 medium Carrot (Can substitute with shredded bell peppers)
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro (Mint can be used for a twist in flavor)
- 0.25 cup Crushed Peanuts (Omit for a nut-free version)
- 0.25 cup Rice Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can be used)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (Honey can replace sugar)
- 1 clove Minced Garlic (Can substitute with garlic powder)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (Fresh Thai chilies for increased spiciness)
How to Make Thai Cucumber Salad Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, slice thinly, and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Slice half a red onion thinly and shred one medium carrot, adding to the bowl.
- Step 3: Chop a handful of fresh cilantro and add it to the mixing bowl.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, salt, and red chili flakes, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 5: Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss gently to coat, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Give a final toss before serving, topping with more cilantro and crushed peanuts.
Pro Tips for the Best Thai Cucumber Salad
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh, crisp cucumbers for the best texture.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference with more or fewer chili flakes.
- This salad is best served chilled, making it a great summer dish.
Best Ways to Serve Thai Cucumber Salad
This salad shines as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood. You can also serve it alongside rice dishes to balance out the flavors. For a twist, add some diced tomatoes to create a Thai cucumber and tomato salad.
How to Store and Reheat Thai Cucumber Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may release some water, so give it a good stir before serving again. This is a fantastic option for meal prep, offering a refreshing addition to your lunches!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Cucumber Salad
What’s the secret to perfect Thai Cucumber Salad?
The secret lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients and allowing the salad to marinate briefly before serving. This enhances the flavors and gives a delightful crunch.
Can I make Thai Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and toss it again before serving to refresh the flavors.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Thai Cucumber Salad?
Avoid oversalting the dressing and ensure that you slice the vegetables evenly for consistent texture. Fresh ingredients also make a significant difference in flavor.
Variations of Thai Cucumber Salad You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with different variations of this salad! Try adding diced bell peppers for a crunchier texture or substitute peanuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. You can also play with the dressing by adding lime juice for a tangy twist.
PrintRefreshing Thai Cucumber Salad: 6 Simple Steps
Enjoy a refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad, a vibrant dish featuring crisp cucumbers and zesty dressing, making it a perfect healthy side or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 medium Cucumbers (Can use English cucumbers for fewer seeds)
- 0.5 medium Red Onions (Shallots can be used as a substitute)
- 1 medium Carrot (Can substitute with shredded bell peppers)
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro (Mint can be used for a twist in flavor)
- 0.25 cup Crushed Peanuts (Omit for a nut-free version)
- 0.25 cup Rice Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can be used)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (Honey can replace sugar)
- 1 clove Minced Garlic (Can substitute with garlic powder)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (Fresh Thai chilies for increased spiciness)
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, slice thinly, and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice half a red onion thinly and shred one medium carrot, adding to the bowl.
- Chop a handful of fresh cilantro and add it to the mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, salt, and red chili flakes, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss gently to coat, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Give a final toss before serving, topping with more cilantro and crushed peanuts.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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