Thai-Style Peanut Cucumber Salad (Printable Version)

Crunchy cucumbers tossed in creamy, tangy peanut dressing with fresh herbs and Thai-inspired spices.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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 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)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, mix the thinly sliced cucumbers, julienned carrot, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
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 dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir in red pepper flakes or sriracha if desired.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to chill.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to watch a show preview, yet tastes like you spent actual effort.
  • The peanut dressing is creamy and complex without needing any fancy ingredients or special skills.
  • It stays crisp and delicious even if you're eating it hours later, making it perfect for meal prep or bringing places.
02 -
  • Don't make the dressing too thin at first—it's easier to add more water than to thicken it back up, and the vegetables will release liquid as they sit anyway.
  • Keep the peanuts and sesame seeds separate until the very end, or they'll get soggy and sad instead of providing that satisfying crunch you're after.
03 -
  • Toast your own peanuts if you have raw ones and a dry skillet—five minutes of toasting makes them taste infinitely better and more complex than store-bought roasted.
  • If your peanut butter is the natural kind with oil separated on top, use some of that oil in your dressing instead of sesame oil for an even more intense peanut flavor.
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