Thai Cucumber Salad

Introduction

You’re about to make a salad that is the perfect balance of crunch, tang, sweetness, and salt. This Thai Cucumber Salad offers a vibrant, refreshing side dish that cuts through rich meals and stands deliciously on its own. It’s incredibly quick to assemble and delivers the authentic, bright flavors you crave.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes salting/draining time)

Cook Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 26 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 lb cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (such as the small persian cucumbers)
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of salt evenly over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat. Let them drain for 20-25 minutes to draw out excess water, which keeps the salad crisp.
While the cucumbers drain, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the rice vinegar and sugar. Whisk or shake vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside.
Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Pour the prepared vinegar dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Variations

Served as a Lettuce Cup Appetizer: Spoon the finished salad into individual butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held starter.
Increased Marination: For a more pickled effect, combine the cucumbers and onions with the dressing and let it marinate in the refrigerator for an hour before adding the cilantro and peanuts.
Different Textures: Instead of tossing the peanuts in, serve the salad with a side of whole roasted peanuts for guests to crush over their own portion.
Spice Lover’s Touch: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced Thai chilis directly into the dressing for a spicy kick.

Tips for Success

Thin is In: Use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife to get uniformly thin cucumber slices, which improves texture and dressing absorption.
Dry is Key: After rinsing the salted cucumbers, be sure to pat them very dry; any remaining water will dilute the flavorful dressing.
Dissolve Fully: Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved in the vinegar before dressing the salad to avoid a grainy texture.
Peanut Timing: Always add the peanuts right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy in the acidic dressing.

Storage & Reheating

FAQ

Can I use English cucumbers instead?

Yes, you can. English cucumbers are a great substitute. Since they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, you can skip peeling them if you prefer, and follow the same slicing and salting process.

Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch, but they have a sharper, less nuanced flavor than the mild sweetness of rice vinegar, which will slightly alter the final taste.

Why do we salt the cucumbers first?

Salting draws out excess water from the cucumbers through osmosis. This prevents the salad from becoming watery and keeps the cucumbers pleasingly crisp.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead. Salt and rinse the cucumbers, and make the dressing, storing them separately in the fridge. Combine everything, except the peanuts, up to an hour before serving. Add peanuts at the last moment.

My dressing seems too sharp/vinegary. What did I do wrong?

Ensure you used the exact measurements of sugar and vinegar. If it’s still too sharp for your taste, you can add an extra pinch of sugar to your portion and whisk it in until dissolved.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

The cilantro adds a fresh, herby note, but the salad will still be delicious without it. You could simply omit it, as the primary flavors come from the sweet and tangy dressing and the crunchy peanuts.