When it comes to salads, there’s no denying their versatility. They can be a light starter, a side dish, or a wholesome meal on their own. But if you’re looking to elevate your salad game and bring some bold, vibrant flavors to the table, the Spicy Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad is the perfect recipe for you. This dish is a tantalizing mix of fresh vegetables, a creamy peanut-based dressing, and a touch of spice that will leave your taste buds craving more.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and some tips to make this dish even more delightful. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. Let’s dive into the world of this crunchy, nutty, and spicy Thai-inspired salad.
This Spicy Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad is light, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors. Crisp cucumbers, sweet carrots, and vibrant red bell peppers are tossed in a creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy peanut dressing that’s perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and tang. Finished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, this Thai-inspired salad makes a refreshing side dish or a healthy, flavorful snack.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a flavorful side, or a meal prep-friendly dish, this cucumber peanut salad is easy to make in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Cucumber Salad
- Crunchy and Refreshing – The crisp cucumbers and bell peppers make this salad light and fresh.
- Bold Thai-Inspired Flavors – A mix of nutty, tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite.
- Quick and Easy – No cooking required, just chop, mix, and toss.
- Healthy and Low-Carb – Packed with fresh veggies and a peanut butter-based dressing.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for hours, making it a great make-ahead dish.
What Does Spicy Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad Taste Like?
This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- Cool and crisp cucumbers and carrots contrast with the rich and creamy peanut dressing.
- Tangy rice vinegar adds a fresh, zesty note.
- Sweet honey balances out the spice from the red pepper flakes.
- Sesame oil and garlic bring an extra depth of umami flavor.
- Chopped peanuts and sesame seeds add the perfect crunch.
It’s refreshing yet bold, light yet satisfying!
Ingredients for Spicy Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad
For the Salad:
- 1 large cucumber, julienned – English or Persian cucumbers work best.
- ½ cup shredded carrots – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced – For color and a mild sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced – Adds a mild onion flavor.
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter – Smooth or crunchy, whichever you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds a salty, umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Brings a tangy balance.
- 1 teaspoon honey – Lightly sweetens the dressing (swap with maple syrup for a vegan option).
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil – Gives a rich, nutty aroma.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle heat.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Brings a hint of savory sharpness.
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped – Adds a burst of freshness.
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds – For extra texture and flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls – For preparing the salad and dressing.
Whisk or fork – To mix the peanut dressing smoothly.
Sharp knife or julienne peeler – To cut the cucumber and bell pepper into thin strips.
Cutting board – For prepping ingredients.
How to Make Spicy Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
- Slice the cucumber into thin julienne strips or use a spiralizer for a noodle-like texture.
- Shred the carrots and thinly slice the red bell pepper and green onions.
- Add all the chopped veggies to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until smooth.
- If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to thin it out.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- Drizzle the peanut dressing over the prepared veggies.
- Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the salad with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, or let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What to Serve with Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad
This salad makes a great side dish, appetizer, or light meal. Pair it with:
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Adds protein for a complete meal.
- Thai Peanut Noodles – For a delicious, nutty combo.
- Jasmine Rice or Quinoa – For a more filling dish.
- Spring Rolls or Dumplings – A fresh and flavorful pairing.
- Tofu or Edamame – For a plant-based protein boost.
It’s also a great topping for Buddha bowls or served in lettuce wraps.
Tips for the Best Thai Cucumber Salad
- Use English or Persian cucumbers – They have fewer seeds and a crisp texture.
- Slice vegetables thinly – This ensures the dressing coats them evenly.
- Let it marinate – For deeper flavor, let the salad sit for 15-30 minutes before serving.
- Customize the spice level – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Make it nut-free – Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and skip the peanuts.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is already amazing as-is, here are some variations you can try to switch things up:
– Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this salad into a complete meal.
– Use Zoodles: Replace cucumber with spiralized zucchini for a fun twist.
– Crunchy Additions: Add roasted chickpeas or crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.
– Fruity Touch: Throw in some mango slices or pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water, so drain excess liquid before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing and chop the veggies in advance, but store them separately and mix before serving for the freshest taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Store the dressing separately and toss with the veggies just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
2. Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap honey for maple syrup or agave, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a fully vegan and gluten-free option.
3. What’s the best cucumber to use?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best because they have thin skin and fewer seeds.
4. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Try adding grilled tofu, shrimp, shredded chicken, or edamame for extra protein.
5. Can I make it without peanut butter?
Yes! Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter as an alternative.
Final Thoughts – A Crisp, Flavorful, and Healthy Salad
This Spicy Thai Cucumber Peanut Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with bold flavors. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, nutty, tangy, and spicy, making it a great side dish or light meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a quick and easy dish that delivers big on taste.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!
Looking for more Thai-inspired dishes? Try these next:
- Thai Peanut Noodles
- Spicy Mango Cabbage Slaw
- Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad
Enjoy every crisp and flavorful bite!