Name: Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers, sliced; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, crushed red chili flakes; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 small clove garlic, minced or pressed; 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (such as maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar), to taste

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Introduction

Thai Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish bursting with fresh herbs and tangy flavors. It’s perfect as a light side or a palate cleanser on warm days. This easy-to-make salad combines crisp cucumbers, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing for a delicious treat.

A round white bowl filled with thinly sliced cucumber rounds arranged in overlapping layers, showing bright green edges and translucent centers. Scattered on top are thin slices of red onion, small green herbs like mint and cilantro leaves, and tiny pieces of crushed peanuts. Black sesame seeds and red chili flakes are sprinkled evenly over everything, with a light drizzle of yellowish dressing giving a glossy look. Around the bowl, there are a few bright green lime wedges and mint leaves on a white marbled surface, and a soft textured brown cloth is placed to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 English cucumbers, sliced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Half of a small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, crushed red chili flakes
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 small clove garlic, minced or pressed
1-2 tablespoons sweetener (such as maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar), to taste

Instructions

Step 1: To make the dressing, whisk together lime juice, oil, rice vinegar, fish sauce, garlic, and your desired amount of sweetener in a small bowl until combined. Alternatively, add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar, cover, and shake vigorously until well mixed.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, green onions, red onion, cilantro, mint, and chopped peanuts. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Serve the salad immediately, garnished with optional toppings like toasted sesame seeds or crushed red chili flakes. You can also cover and refrigerate it for up to one day and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use rice vinegar for its mild sweetness, but apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
For a vegan version, omit fish sauce and replace with soy sauce or tamari.
Add thinly sliced fresh chili for extra heat if desired.
Toasted peanuts add crunch; substitute with cashews for a different flavor.
Adjust sweetener according to your taste preference to balance the tang.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. It is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, as the cucumber slices may release water and lose crispness over time. Keep the dressing separate if planning to store longer, and toss together just before serving.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with a cucumber salad sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl holds about two layers of round cucumber slices that are light green with darker green edges. Scattered over the cucumber are thin pink slices of red onion and small green mint leaves, adding color contrast. There are also tiny black sesame seeds and crushed peanuts sprinkled on top, along with small bits of green herbs and red chili flakes. A silver fork rests inside the lower bowl, and there are two lime wedges on the marbled surface near the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers?

Yes, you can use Persian or Kirby cucumbers as substitutes. Just slice them thinly and remove seeds if they are very watery.

Is fish sauce necessary in the dressing?

Fish sauce adds authentic umami flavor but can be omitted or replaced with soy sauce for a vegetarian or milder taste.