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Fresh Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Peanut Lime Dressing

Fresh Thai Cucumber Salad - featured image
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A quick and refreshing Thai-inspired cucumber salad with a creamy, tangy peanut lime dressing that is perfect for warm weather and busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons creamy, unsweetened peanut butter
  • Juice of 2 medium limes
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly—about ⅛ inch thick (3 mm). Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel and slice the red onion very thinly. If raw onion is too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Add the onion slices to the cucumbers.
  3. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle them over the cucumber and onion mix.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter with the juice of 2 limes. Add 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari), 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 minced garlic clove, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add water, a teaspoon at a time, until pourable.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated. Be careful not to bruise the cucumbers.
  6. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of roughly chopped roasted peanuts and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
  7. Optional: Chill the salad in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and cucumbers soak up the dressing.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin cucumber slices. Soak onions for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness but not too long. Adjust dressing thickness with water, not more lime juice. Toast sesame seeds for extra flavor. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising cucumbers. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep cucumbers crisp. Salad keeps well for up to 24 hours but cucumbers may get soggy after that.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai cucumber salad, peanut lime dressing, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option, quick side dish

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/fresh-thai-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-peanut-lime-dressing/