Thai Peanut Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers and carrots combined with creamy, tangy peanut dressing and fresh herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
03 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
05 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

→ Creamy Peanut Dressing

07 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
08 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
14 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
15 - 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine thinly sliced cucumbers, julienned carrot, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Gradually add warm water until smooth and pourable. Stir in red pepper flakes or sriracha if using.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the salad. Serve immediately or chill up to 30 minutes for increased crispness.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, which means you can have dinner ready faster than takeout arrives.
  • The contrast between crisp vegetables and silky peanut dressing is addictively good—one bite and you'll keep reaching for more.
  • It works as a light lunch on its own or a side dish that makes grilled chicken or tofu taste even better.
02 -
  • Don't slice your cucumbers too thick or they'll release water and dilute the dressing—thin slices are your insurance policy.
  • The dressing needs to be made just before serving; peanut butter can separate if it sits too long, so whisk it again if you've made it ahead.
  • If your salad gets watery after sitting, don't panic—drain off excess liquid before serving or the dressing becomes weak and runny.
03 -
  • If your peanut butter is thick or oily, run your bowl under hot water before whisking—warm bowls help the peanut butter incorporate more smoothly.
  • Toast your own peanuts in a dry skillet for 2 minutes if you have time; they taste exponentially better than pre-roasted, and it takes almost no effort.
Go Back