Thai Cucumber Salad

User Reviews

5

114 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    25 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 min

  • Total Time

    26 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    143 kcal

  • Course

    Salad

  • Cuisine

    Asian

Thai Cucumber Salad

This Thai Cucumber Salad features thinly sliced cucumbers lightly salted to draw out moisture, then mixed with red onion, a sweet and tangy rice vinegar dressing, fresh cilantro, and chopped peanuts for crunch. The salad balances crisp, refreshing textures with a subtle sweetness and acidity, making it a cool accompaniment or side dish. The use of small Persian cucumbers or similarly firm varieties ensures the desired refreshing crunch.

Description

Thai Cucumber Salad combines peeled, thinly sliced cucumbers with thin red onion slices for a crisp base. The cucumbers are salted and drained briefly to reduce excess water and concentrate flavor. A dressing of rice vinegar and sugar, warmed slightly to dissolve the sugar, is poured over the cucumber and onion, imparting a sweet and tart profile. Fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness, while chopped peanuts contribute texture and a nutty taste. The salad marinates in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the cucumbers to remain crisp.

This salad is well-suited as a refreshing side to heavier or spiced dishes, offering a cool contrast and crunchy texture. It can be served chilled and garnished with peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.

For best results, small Persian cucumbers are preferred due to their firm texture and small size, but English cucumbers quartered and sliced can be used as an alternative. Some cooks create shallow grooves in the cucumber skin to help the dressing penetrate the flesh, which is optional.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 lb cucumber I prefer the small persian cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
  • 1/3 cup peanut chopped

Instructions

  1. Place the cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle the salt over them. 
  2. Toss to coat the cucumber slices in salt. Let sit 10 minutes.
  3. Use a paper towel to blot the cucumber slices dry.
  4. Place the rice vinegar and sugar in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  5. Place the cucumbers and red onion in a large bowl, then pour the rice vinegar mixture over the top.
  6. Add the cilantro to the cucumber mixture and stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
  7. Sprinkle the peanuts over the top, then serve.

Notes

  • Small Persian cucumbers provide optimal texture and flavor, but English cucumbers can be quartered and sliced as a substitute.
  • Creating shallow grooves in cucumbers with a lemon zester is optional and helps dressing absorb better.
  • Refrigerate the salad for up to 24 hours; add peanuts just before serving to retain crunch.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 143kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 891mg (37%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 143 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 143kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 891mg 37%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 12g 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

114 reviews
Excellent

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