Elevate your meal with this zesty spicy Thai cucumber salad that bursts with flavor! Packed with fresh veggies, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a perfect side dish or light meal. Learn how to make this vibrant dish in just 25 minutes and impress your family and friends.
2 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust based on spice tolerance)
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
![- 2 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 carrot, julienned - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option) - 1 tablespoon chili paste - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt to taste To make the Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad, gather all these ingredients. Fresh cucumbers are the star here. They bring crunch and a cool taste. The carrot and red bell pepper add color and more crunch. Red onion gives a nice bite, while cilantro adds freshness. The dressing ties it all together. Lime juice brings a zesty tang. Fish sauce adds umami flavor, but soy sauce works too. Chili paste gives heat, so adjust it based on your taste. Sugar balances the flavors, and a pinch of salt enhances everything. Each serving of this salad is low in calories. It has about 120 calories, with 7 grams of fat and 12 grams of carbs. You get 3 grams of protein too. This salad is a great source of vitamins A and C. It also has potassium and magnesium, making it a healthy choice. For the full recipe, you can check out the complete instructions and tips. Enjoy this light and refreshing salad! To start, slice your cucumbers thin. I like to use a sharp knife for this. Thin slices make the salad crunchy and fresh. For the carrot, julienne it carefully. This means cutting it into long, thin strips. This helps it mix well with the cucumber. Blend the flavors before serving. This is crucial for a tasty salad. Letting it sit allows the veggies to soak up the dressing. You will love how the flavors come together. Whisk the dressing in a small bowl. Add lime juice, fish sauce or soy sauce, chili paste, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to mix well until it is smooth. If you want more heat, add extra chili paste. Adjust it to your spice level. Now, it’s time to mix the salad. Toss the cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, and onion gently. This keeps the vegetables from getting mushy. Once they are mixed, add the cilantro and peanuts. Toss it again gently. Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together. Taste it before serving. You can adjust with more salt or lime juice if needed. Enjoy this refreshing dish! For the full recipe, check here: [Full Recipe]. To make a great spicy Thai cucumber salad, start with fresh ingredients. Here are some tips: - Cucumbers: Choose firm, shiny cucumbers. Look for ones with no soft spots or wrinkles. English cucumbers work well for their thin skin and fewer seeds. - Carrots: Select bright orange carrots. They should feel crisp and have a smooth surface. - Bell Peppers: Pick bell peppers that are heavy for their size. They should have a vibrant color and firm skin. For easy preparation, use these kitchen tools: - Sharp Knife: A good knife makes slicing easier and safer. - Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board helps keep your workspace tidy. - Mixing Bowl: Use a large bowl to mix the salad without spilling. You can elevate the flavor of your salad. Consider adding these herbs and spices: - Mint: Fresh mint adds a cool touch. - Thai Basil: This herb brings a unique flavor twist. - Chili Flakes: If you want more heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top. For protein, try these options: - Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken adds heartiness. - Shrimp: Cooked shrimp adds a nice seafood flavor. These simple additions can make your salad even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian or vegan twist, you can easily swap out the fish sauce. Use soy sauce or tamari to keep it flavorful. Both options provide a rich umami taste. You can also add tofu. Firm tofu works best. Simply cube it and toss it into the salad for extra protein. This makes the dish heartier without losing its freshness. You can change up the veggies based on what’s in season. In summer, add some ripe tomatoes or radishes for a crunch. During fall, thinly sliced apples can add a sweet touch. You can even mix in fruits like mango. The sweetness of mango pairs well with the spicy dressing. This adds a fun twist to your salad. If you like heat, adjust the chili paste in the recipe. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also try different types of chili sauces. Sriracha or sambal oelek can add a unique flavor. For less heat, use sweet chili sauce instead. This way, you can make the salad just right for your taste buds. Feel free to explore these variations to keep your salad exciting. Each change can bring a new flavor and experience to your table. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. To keep your Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. This salad stays good in the fridge for about 2 days. After that, the veggies may get too soft. You don’t need to heat this salad. Serve it cold for the best taste. If you make it ahead of time, stir it gently before serving. This will help mix the flavors again. When making portions, store the dressing separately. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty! For the full recipe, check the recipe card. You can use soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce. Both give a salty taste. Tamari is a great choice for gluten-free diets. These options keep the flavor rich while being vegetarian-friendly. Yes, you can make this salad a few hours before serving. Just add the dressing right before you eat. This keeps the veggies crunchy and fresh. If you store it too long, the salad may become soggy. The spice level depends on how much chili paste you use. If you like it mild, start with a small amount. You can always add more later. This way, you control the heat. This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish. It also complements rice dishes nicely. Try serving it with spring rolls for a fun meal. The salad adds a fresh crunch to any plate. You can buy roasted peanuts at most grocery stores. Look in the snack aisle or the bulk section. If you prefer, you can roast raw peanuts at home. Just toss them in a pan over low heat until golden. This blog post covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for making a fresh salad. You learned about nutritional values and how to adjust flavors. With variations for different diets and seasons, there's something for everyone. Storing and reheating tips ensure your salad stays fresh. Try making this salad your own. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the process. Your healthy eating journey can be fun and tasty!](https://recipesinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ee9bb865-50a8-4c53-8fc1-e43c27ac2071-250x250.webp)