Thai Peanut Cucumber Salad (Printable Version)

Crisp cucumbers and carrot tossed in a creamy peanut-lime dressing with fresh herbs and a touch of spice.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (approx. 14 oz)
02 - 1 medium carrot, julienned (approx. 2.5 oz)
03 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (approx. 1 oz)
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 freshly squeezed 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 to 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin as needed)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, julienned carrot, red onion, and roughly chopped cilantro.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Gradually add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Incorporate red pepper flakes or sriracha if desired.
03 - Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables and gently toss to ensure an even coating.
04 - Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and optional sesame seeds over the salad. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for a chilled, crisp texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes with zero cooking, perfect when you need something healthy but don't want to heat up the kitchen.
  • The peanut dressing is creamy and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy, hitting that sweet-salty-tangy-spicy balance that just works.
  • It's endlessly customizable—add grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian; it tastes just as good either way.
02 -
  • Don't make the dressing and let it sit for hours before using it; the garlic and ginger intensify and can overwhelm the other flavors, so timing matters here.
  • If your dressing breaks or looks separated, whisk in a little more warm water and it will come back together every time.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 30 seconds if you have them; the flavor difference is noticeable and worth the 30 seconds of your time.
  • Keep the peanut butter smooth and creamy by whisking it into the other ingredients rather than mixing them into the peanut butter—it emulsifies better that way.
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