Bold Thai Cucumber Salad

This Thai cucumber salad brings the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that transport you straight to Thailand. The crisp cucumbers combined with the punchy dressing create a refreshing side dish that complements any Asian-inspired meal.

The first time I made this salad was for a backyard barbecue, and it disappeared faster than the grilled meats. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever I need something fresh and vibrant to balance out a rich main course.

Ingredients

• English cucumbers. Their thin skin and fewer seeds make them perfect for this salad. Look for firm cucumbers without soft spots.
• Red onion. Adds a pleasant bite that softens slightly in the dressing. Choose a fresh onion with tight, papery skin.
• Roasted peanuts. Provides essential crunch and nutty flavor. Use unsalted ones so you can control the salt level.
• Fresh cilantro. Brings brightness and herbaceous notes. Select bunches with perky leaves and no yellowing.
• Thai chilies. Creates that authentic Thai heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance or omit for a milder salad.
• Sesame oil. Adds a distinctive nutty aroma. Toasted sesame oil provides the most flavor.
• Lime juice. The fresh acidity balances the sweetness. Always use freshly squeezed for best flavor.
• Fish sauce. Delivers that umami depth essential to Thai cuisine. Look for a good quality brand like Red Boat.
• Garlic. Provides aromatic punch. Fresh cloves will give the brightest flavor.
• Sugar. Balances the sour and savory elements. Regular granulated works perfectly.
• Salt. Enhances all the other flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables.

Slice cucumbers into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistency. Cut the red onion into thin half-moons. Their uniform size ensures even coating with the dressing and a pleasant texture in every bite.

Mix the salad base.

Combine cucumbers, red onion, most of the crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, and sliced Thai chilies if using in a large bowl. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the salad.

Create the dressing.

Whisk together sesame oil, lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar completely dissolves. This balanced dressing provides the perfect combination of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors essential to Thai cuisine.

Combine and coat.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing. The cucumbers will begin to release some water, which will mingle with the dressing.

Final presentation.

Sprinkle the reserved crushed peanuts over the top of the salad for visual appeal and added texture. Serve immediately while the vegetables are at their crunchiest and most refreshing.

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I absolutely love the interplay between the crunchy peanuts and crisp cucumbers in this dish. My father in law, who typically avoids anything remotely spicy, requests this salad whenever he visits. I simply omit the chilies from his portion and serve them on the side for everyone else.

Make It Ahead

Though this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time to make assembly quick. Slice the cucumbers and onions and store them separately in the refrigerator. Mix the dressing and keep it in a sealed container. When ready to serve, simply combine everything and add the peanuts. This preparation method keeps the cucumbers crisp rather than soggy from sitting in dressing too long.

Authentic Thai Flavors

The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors is the hallmark of Thai cuisine. This salad embodies this balance perfectly with sugar providing sweetness, lime juice contributing acidity, fish sauce adding saltiness, and Thai chilies bringing heat. In Thailand, similar salads called "Tam" are popular street foods and family staples, often served alongside grilled meats or sticky rice. The cooling cucumber provides relief from the tropical heat and spicy main dishes.

Perfect Pairings

This refreshing cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like Thai lemongrass chicken or satay skewers. It also makes an excellent side dish for curries, offsetting their richness with its light, bright flavors. For a complete Thai inspired meal, serve it alongside pad thai or coconut rice. The salad can even be transformed into a light lunch by adding cooked shrimp or shredded chicken.

Serving Variations

Turn this side dish into a heartier salad by adding cooked rice noodles or glass noodles. You can also incorporate other vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for additional color and nutrition. For a different protein element, try swapping the peanuts for cashews or adding edamame beans. Some people enjoy adding thinly sliced mango for a sweet tropical twist that complements the savory elements beautifully.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Thai cucumber salad ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Slice the cucumbers and onions, and make the dressing separately. Store in the refrigerator, then combine and add peanuts and herbs just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.

→ What can I substitute for fish sauce?

For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or tamari with a splash of lime juice. Coconut aminos with a pinch of salt also works well. Each substitute will change the flavor profile slightly but still provide the necessary umami element.

→ How can I reduce the spiciness?

The Thai chilies are optional and can be completely omitted for a milder salad. Alternatively, remove the seeds from the chilies before slicing, or use just a small amount to add flavor without overwhelming heat.

→ What protein pairs well with this salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For a more substantial meal, top with sliced grilled beef or salmon. The bright, tangy flavors complement most proteins well.

→ Why is my cucumber salad watery?

Cucumbers naturally release water. To reduce excess moisture, you can salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes before patting dry and adding to the salad. English cucumbers tend to be less watery than standard varieties.

→ Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, regular cucumbers work fine, but you may want to peel them if the skin is thick or waxed, and consider removing the seeds if they're large. English cucumbers are preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds.