Crunchy Thai cucumber salad is the perfect balance of crisp, refreshing, and fresh ingredients that will brighten up any meal.
With crunchy cucumbers, a sweet-tangy dressing, and a hint of spice, it’s a quick and easy salad recipe that pairs beautifully with your favorite Thai dishes or grilled meats.
This refreshing salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also light, healthy, and so simple to make.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a flavorful way to use up cucumbers, this great side dish recipe is a winner.
What is Thai salad dressing made of?
The dressing is a perfect blend of bold flavors, made with ingredients like rice wine vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, balanced with a touch of salt.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For a mild version, use less spice, or skip it altogether.
Thinly slice English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers which have thin skins and fewer, smaller seeds, making them ideal for salads. If using regular cucumbers, peel and remove the seeds for the best texture.
Just before serving top the salad with crushed peanuts or cashews to maintain their crunch. The sesame oil brings a rich nuttiness, while the tangy vinegar and hint of spice make it irresistible.
Allow the cucumbers to marinate in the dressing for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the flavors, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, fresh mint or sliced green onions for a final touch.
Serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing Thai side dish, pairing perfectly with grilled meats, stir-fries, or spicy curries for a complete meal.
Thai cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release extra liquid over time, so you might need to drain them before serving.
Definitely! Thinly sliced carrots, red bell peppers, or shredded cabbage make great additions for added color and crunch.
If you love refreshing, crisp flavors, be sure to check out our collection summer side dish recipes!
Thai Cucumber Salad
Cool, crisp, and full of flavor! This Thai cucumber salad is the refreshing dish you’ve been craving!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large cucumbers peeled and sliced
- 3 green onions diced
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
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To start, peel and slice your cucumbers long wise.
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Scoop out of the seeds and then slice the cucumbers.
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Place the cucumbers in a bowl.
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In a small bowl, make your dressing.
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The Sesame Oil adds so much flavor, even though you just need a little bit.
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Mix together vinegar, sugar, oil, red pepper flakes and salt.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumbers.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and peanuts.
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Toss everything together.
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Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Alison Shaffer
Wednesday 13th of September 2023
Looks really good! Cucumbers are a nice refreshing food in any salad! Love your blog!!!
Deb
Monday 23rd of May 2022
I didn't use peanuts or green onions and it was delish!
Sue E
Tuesday 19th of October 2021
I think side dishes are just as important as the main meal! This side dish is absolutely good for us and very tasty! YUM 😋
Adriane
Monday 18th of October 2021
That looks so refreshing!! I love cukes
Sheila M.
Monday 18th of October 2021
Looks so refreshing! Can't wait to try it!