This Easy Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing mix of crunchy cucumbers, tangy lime juice, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for hot days or as a side with any meal!
You’ll love how quick it is to make—just chop, toss, and enjoy! I often make a big bowl and munch on it all week. It’s like a party for my taste buds! 🥒🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are key for a crunchy texture. I recommend Persian or English cucumbers for less bitterness. You can use garden cucumbers, but remove the seeds for a better crunch.
Red Onion: This adds a nice sharpness to the salad. If you want something milder, try green onions or shallots instead—they’re great substitutes!
Thai Red Chilies: They bring heat! If you prefer a milder salad, feel free to omit them or substitute with sliced bell peppers for color without the heat.
Cilantro and Mint: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try parsley instead. Fresh basil can work nicely too!
Fish Sauce: This gives a delicious umami flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Has the Best Flavor?
To enhance the flavors, let your salad sit for about 10 minutes after tossing it together. This allows all the ingredients to marinate and the flavors to combine beautifully. You can even make it a few hours ahead—just keep it in the fridge!
- Combine all dressing ingredients well to break down the sugar.
- Mix chopped veggies gently, so they stay crunchy.
- Use toasted sesame seeds just before serving for extra crunch.
That simple resting time makes a big difference. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Easy Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 Thai red chilies, thinly sliced (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or palm sugar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Thai cucumber salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping and mixing everything together, and then just let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to come together. Perfect for a quick side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved. This dressing is what brings all the bright flavors to your salad!
2. Combine Fresh Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and optional Thai red chilies. These veggies will give the salad its lovely crunch and flavor.
3. Toss the Ingredients:
Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are well coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the cucumbers!
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and mint leaves, then toss again lightly to mix. The herbs add freshness and a wonderful aroma to the dish.
5. Let the Flavors Meld:
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This short wait helps the flavors blend together and enhances the taste!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top as a lovely garnish. You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish with any meal.
Enjoy this fresh and vibrant Thai cucumber salad that balances tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors perfectly!
FAQs About Easy Thai Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! You can use Persian or English cucumbers for their milder taste and thinner skin. If using garden cucumbers, just remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture in your salad.
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you need a substitute, soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce works well for a similar umami flavor. You can also try coconut aminos for a sweeter, gluten-free option.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just wait to add the herbs and sesame seeds until right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some water as it sits, so stir it well before eating.
