Thai-Style Peanut Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crunchy cucumbers and carrots with a creamy peanut dressing and fresh Thai-inspired flavors.

# Components:

→ 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 grated fresh ginger
15 - 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water, to thin dressing
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional)

# Method:

01 - Combine the sliced cucumbers, julienned carrot, red onion, and cilantro in a large mixing 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 desired.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure even coating.
04 - Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the salad. Serve immediately or chill up to 30 minutes for a cooler, crisper texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to slice a few vegetables, no heat required.
  • The dressing is so good you'll want to drizzle it on everything from noodles to grilled chicken.
  • Every bite is crunchy, creamy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy if you want it to be.
02 -
  • If you dress the salad too far in advance, the cucumbers will release water and dilute the dressing, so toss it just before serving.
  • The dressing thickens as it sits, so keep a little warm water nearby to loosen it up if needed.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before adding them, it brings out a deeper nutty flavor.
  • If your peanut butter is the natural kind that separates, make sure to stir it well before measuring or your dressing will be grainy.
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