Juicy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Juicy Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and crisp side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a sweet and tangy rice vinegar dressing, complemented by fresh cilantro, red onion, and crunchy peanuts. Perfectly salted cucumbers are drained to maintain their crispness, then coated in a flavorful dressing that brightens up any meal with a burst of Thai-inspired flavors.
- Author: Felix
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (preferably English cucumbers)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup chopped peanuts
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or equivalent kosher salt)
- Salt and Drain the Cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle salt evenly over them. Toss to coat thoroughly, then let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove as much water as possible, ensuring a crisp salad.
- Prepare the Rice Vinegar Mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the rice vinegar and granulated sugar. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This creates the sweet and tangy dressing that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cucumbers, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Pour the rice vinegar and sugar dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every slice is coated in the flavorful dressing.
- Refrigerate and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top for a satisfying crunch. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing Thai-inspired cucumber salad.
Notes
- Using English cucumbers is preferred as they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor, but regular cucumbers can be used.
- Patting the cucumber slices dry after salting is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- The salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance to deepen the flavors.
- For a spicier version, consider adding thinly sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes.
Keywords: Thai cucumber salad, cucumber salad, Thai salad, rice vinegar dressing, easy salad recipe, refreshing side dish