Last updated on April 24th, 2023 at 04:11 pm
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. One of the most popular dishes in Thai cuisine is the Thai Cucumber Salad. This refreshing and flavorful dish is perfect for hot summer days and a great way to add some variety to your meal.
Thai Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vegetable peeler (if peeling the cucumber) (Optional)
- Mandoline (for thinly slicing the cucumber and onion) (Optional)
- Garlic press (for pressing the Thai chili peppers) (Optional)
- Food processor (for chopping the peanuts) (Optional)
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1-2 Thai chili peppers, seeded and finely chopped (Optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, cilantro, mint, and chopped peanuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, honey, and chopped chili peppers (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional chopped cilantro and peanuts, if desired.
Video
Notes
- To ensure the salad is not too watery, use a paper towel or kitchen towel to pat dry the sliced cucumbers and onions before tossing them with the dressing.
- For added texture and flavor, lightly crush the roasted peanuts with a rolling pin or pulse them a few times in a food processor. This will also help them adhere better to the salad.
- To make the salad less spicy, remove the seeds and membranes from the Thai chili peppers before chopping them.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the peanuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.
- To make the salad more filling, add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal.
- If you don’t have access to Thai basil, you can substitute it with regular basil or cilantro.
- To make the salad vegan, use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of fish sauce, and maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
Why Try A Thai Cucumber Salad?
Thai Cucumber Salad is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Here are a few of the benefits of this dish:
- Low in calories: Cucumbers are low in calories, making them a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.
- High in water content: Cucumbers are made up of about 96% water, which makes them a great choice for staying hydrated.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties: Cucumbers contain flavonoids and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Contains antioxidants: The herbs used in this salad, including cilantro, mint, and basil, are all rich in antioxidants that can help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Variations
There are many ways to customize your Thai Cucumber Salad to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add protein: To make this salad a more filling, you can add some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be great options.
- Change up the herbs: If you don’t like cilantro, mint, or basil, you can use other herbs instead. Thai basil, parsley, or chives would all work well.
- Use different vegetables: If you don’t have cucumbers or red onions, you can use other vegetables instead. This salad would make carrots, bell peppers, or radishes delicious.
Can I use any cucumber for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any cucumber you like, but I recommend using English or Persian cucumbers as they have a thin skin and fewer seeds.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the chopped peanuts right before serving to ensure they remain crunchy.
Can I omit the fish sauce?
If you prefer not to use fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or coconut aminos for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
If you prefer a milder salad, you can omit the Thai chili peppers or reduce the amount used. Add more chili peppers or leave in the seeds if you like it spicier.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Fresh herbs are recommended for this recipe, but if you cannot access them, you can use dried herbs instead. Just reduce the amount used by half, as dried herbs are more potent.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute the peanuts with cashews, almonds, or any other type of nut you prefer.
Can I make this salad without honey?
You can omit the honey or substitute it with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan option.
How finely should I slice the cucumbers and onions?
For the best texture and presentation, slice the cucumbers and onions as thinly as possible.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
For extra color and flavor, you can add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
Can I serve this salad as a main dish?
While this salad is typically served as a side dish or appetizer, you can add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal.
Final Thought On Making This Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is easy to make and packed with health benefits.
Whether you’re looking for a new side dish to add to your meal or want to enjoy a light and refreshing lunch, this salad is a great choice. So, give it a try and let us know what you think!
