Thai cucumber salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish packed with bright flavors. It combines cool, crisp cucumbers with a tangy, sweet, and savory dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and sesame oil. Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro add a burst of fragrance, while roasted peanuts and sesame seeds provide a satisfying crunch. Often served as a side dish or appetizer, it’s a great way to balance out spicy Thai meals.
Preparing a Thai cucumber salad is quick and simple. In just 15 to 20 minutes, you can have this flavorful dish ready to serve. The time is mostly spent chopping the ingredients and whisking together the dressing. It’s an easy and healthy option for those looking to enjoy a light, flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
The combination of fresh cucumbers, tangy lime, and the saltiness of fish sauce always makes this salad a hit at any meal. The crunch from the peanuts and the aromatic mint and cilantro create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s one of those dishes that works well with almost anything, whether paired with grilled meats, noodles, or served on its own as a refreshing snack.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Cucumber Salad
- Fresh and Crunchy: This Thai cucumber salad is packed with fresh veggies that provide a satisfying crunch. The crisp cucumbers paired with fragrant herbs bring a refreshing bite, perfect for hot days or as a light side dish.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet, salty, sour, and spicy—this salad hits all the right notes. The tangy dressing made with lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce adds a bold flavor that ties everything together in the best way possible.
- Easy to Make: You’ll love how simple this Thai cucumber salad is to prepare. With just a few ingredients, it’s ready in minutes. It’s the perfect quick recipe for busy days when you want something tasty but not time-consuming.
Ingredient Notes for a Thai Cucumber Salad
- Cucumbers: Choose fresh, crisp cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. Seedless varieties, like Persian cucumbers, work best.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a light, tangy flavor. It balances the sweetness and saltiness in the salad.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar gives the salad a mild sweetness that complements the vinegar and fish sauce.
- Fish Sauce: A key ingredient in Thai cuisine, it adds umami and depth to the salad’s flavor.
- Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty richness that blends well with the fresh ingredients.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides acidity and a zesty kick that brightens the flavors.
- Chili Pepper: Adds heat and spice. Adjust the amount to control the level of spiciness.
- Chopped Cilantro: Brings freshness and a slight citrusy flavor that enhances the salad.
- Chopped Mint: Mint adds a cool, aromatic touch, balancing the other bold flavors.
- Roasted Peanuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor, making the salad more filling and flavorful.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty note that pairs well with the cool cucumbers and tangy dressing.
- Sesame Seeds: These add texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sesame oil.
Thai Cucumber Salad Variation
One of the best things about Thai Cucumber Salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Protein: To make it a more substantial dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will turn your salad into a complete meal.
- Use Different Herbs: While cilantro is traditional, fresh mint or Thai basil can add a different twist to the flavor profile.
- Sweeten it Up: If you like a sweeter taste, add a touch more sugar or a drizzle of honey to the dressing.
- Add More Crunch: Toss in a handful of shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
How to Serve Thai Cucumber Salad
Thai Cucumber Salad can be served in many ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
- As a Light Meal: Top the salad with grilled shrimp or chicken for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
- As an Appetizer: Serve the salad as a starter to a Thai-inspired meal. Its refreshing, zesty flavors will awaken your taste buds.
Storage Options
Thai Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it’s still possible to store it for later use.
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The cucumbers will release some water, so it’s a good idea to drain any excess liquid before serving.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cucumbers will change, making them mushy when thawed.
FAQs About Thai Cucumber Salad
How do you make Thai cucumber salad?
To make Thai cucumber salad, combine sliced cucumbers with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. Toss with a dressing made from lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and chili for a perfect balance of flavors.
Can I make Thai cucumber salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Thai cucumber salad a few hours before serving. Just make sure to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh and crisp.
Is Thai cucumber salad spicy?
It can be spicy depending on how much chili you add to the dressing. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by using less chili for a milder version.
What can I serve with Thai cucumber salad?
Thai cucumber salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or rice dishes. It’s a great side for Thai curries or even as a light snack on its own.
Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater or Zester (Optional)
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (can adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small chili pepper (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
- Slice the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber (if preferred), then slice it thinly into rounds. You can also cut the cucumber into half-moons or matchstick pieces for a different texture. Place the sliced cucumber into a large mixing bowl.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Chilies: To the cucumber, add the finely chopped cilantro, mint, and chilies. Toss gently to combine.
- Pour the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss the ingredients gently, ensuring that everything is well-coated with the dressing.
- Top with Peanuts and Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the crushed peanuts and optional sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and crunch.
- Chill (Optional): If you have time, refrigerate the salad for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. However, you can also serve it immediately for a fresh, crisp taste.
- Serve and Enjoy! Your Thai cucumber salad is ready to serve. Enjoy this fresh, zesty, and crunchy dish on the side or as a light meal on its own.
