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Fresh Thai Cucumber Salad Easy Recipe with Creamy Peanut Lime Dressing

fresh thai cucumber salad - featured image

A refreshing Thai-inspired cucumber salad featuring a creamy peanut lime dressing that balances tanginess and richness with a crunchy texture. Perfect for warm weather and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (unsalted preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 23 tablespoons warm water
  • Pinch of red chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm thick). Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  2. Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry gently with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
  3. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion and add it to the cucumbers.
  4. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and peanuts. Add them to the bowl with cucumbers and onions.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Whisk together until smooth.
  6. Add 2–3 tablespoons warm water gradually to thin the dressing to your preferred texture. It should be pourable but still creamy enough to coat the salad.
  7. Stir in a pinch of red chili flakes, or more if you like heat.
  8. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more lime juice or soy sauce.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Salt cucumbers before mixing to prevent sogginess. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Whisk dressing thoroughly to avoid clumps. Chop peanuts just before serving to keep crunch. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising cucumbers. Dressing can be made ahead and stored in fridge. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Nut-free option: use sunflower seed butter and toasted pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai cucumber salad, peanut lime dressing, fresh salad, easy cucumber salad, creamy peanut dressing, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option