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A close-up shot of a tangy Thai cucumber salad in a shallow white ceramic bowl. The salad is coated in a light, glossy chili lime dressing and garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Vibrant Thai Cucumber Salad (The Only Recipe You'll Need)

An authentic Thai Cucumber Salad recipe that is quick, easy, and perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. This refreshing side dish features crisp cucumbers, red onion, and a glossy chili lime dressing, ready in 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 125
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced into semi-circles
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 fresh red Thai chilies, thinly sliced Adjust to your spice preference
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped 60g
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves 60g
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 60ml
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce 30ml
  • 2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar 30g
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced

Equipment

  • 1 Mandoline Slicer Optional, for thin slicing
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Whisk

Instructions
 

  1. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into thin semi-circles. Thinly slice the red onion into slivers and the Thai chilies into rings. Place all prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is glossy.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish generously with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

Salt Strategically: Do not salt the cucumbers beforehand. The fish sauce provides all the seasoning you need.
Dress Just Before Serving: For maximum crunch, toss the salad with the dressing no more than 10-15 minutes before you plan to eat.
Chill Your Ingredients: Using cold cucumbers and onions will result in a more refreshing salad.
Don't Skip the Peanuts: Their texture and nutty flavor are essential to the authentic experience.
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