Published Aug 25, 2019 Updated Oct 02, 2024
What Is Cucumber Salad
There are many versions of cucumber salad, ranging from American to Asian. This delicious recipe features Thai ingredients in its sauce, creating a flavorful Thai cucumber salad. Thai cuisine is known for its delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, and this salad complements Thai dishes beautifully—it’s especially great with Thai Chicken Sate and Thai fish cake. Another variation is Asian cucumber salad, which is spicy and seasoned with chili oil. I also enjoy Creamy Cucumber Salad, made with Greek yogurt. In China, a popular option is Smashed Cucumber Salad, known for its distinctive flavor and widely enjoyed throughout Sichuan and the rest of the country.
Authentic Recipe
This is an authentic Thai-style cucumber salad recipe, developed by Rasa Malaysia—yours truly. It’s easy to make, deliciously spicy, and topped with peanuts, with a dressing that’s perfectly sweet, sour, and savory. The good thing about this recipe is that I don’t even have to cook. It’s so easy to make since I just have to marinate the cucumber and make the salad dressing. Combine both of them together and it is ready to serve! Make this delicious side dish today to pair with your favorite Thai recipes such as Pad See Ew.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why this recipe works:
Authentic Flavors: It captures the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy Thai flavors. Quick and Simple: The recipe is easy to follow and comes together quickly. Crisp and Refreshing: The cucumbers stay crunchy and fresh, making every bite delightful. Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of Thai dishes and can be customized to your taste. Healthy and Delicious: It’s a nutritious option that’s both satisfying and tasty.
Best cucumber salad I’ve ever had! Prepared it exactly according to recipe— thought it would be too sweet but it wasn’t. Making it again (for the third time this week!) and not changing a thing. Salting the cucumber first, as the recipe says, is an important step. Drain the salt water (don’t rinse it off). Excellent recipe, thanks! – Andy
Ingredients
Cucumber – peel the skin off the cucumber. You may scrap off the seeds if you like. Red onion – adds a nice kick and some crunch to the salad. Cilantro – gives a fresh, zesty flavor and a pop of green that makes the salad taste and look great. Roasted peanuts – adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor. Salt – helps get rid of extra water from the cucumbers to keep them crisp.
Ingredients for Dressing
Thai sweet chili sauce – gives the dressing that sweet and spicy Thai flavor. Apple cider vinegar or vinegar – adds a tangy punch that balances out the sweetness.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
Helpful Tips For Home Cooks
Just follow my pro tips below for kitchen success:
Use Fresh Cucumbers: Go for firm, crisp cucumbers for the best crunch. Bite-sized pieces: Cut the cucumber into bite-sized chunks instead of thin slices. This gives you a satisfying crunch and texture. Lightly Salt and Chill: Salt the cucumbers and let them sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out excess water. Make sure to drain off the salt water before mixing with the dressing. Adjust Spice: Taste the dressing and tweak the sugar and vinegar to match your spice level. Add Toppings Last: Sprinkle on peanuts and cilantro just before serving to keep them crunchy.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This meal is best served as a side dish. For a wholesome Thai meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Green Papaya Salad Asian Cucumber Salad Thai Beef Salad
