Add a burst of Thai excitement to your meal with this Thai Cucumber Salad. This salad blends crispy cucumbers and nutty cashews in a lively chili-garlic dressing for a refreshing and spicy culinary delight.
This salad with cashews has it all: sweet, spicy, sour, and salty – what more could you ask for? The cashews add just the right amount of texture and crunch.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Cucumber Salad
- The crunch of fresh cucumbers and cashews provides a satisfying texture contrast.
- Its refreshing and light nature makes it a great choice for outdoor picnics and potlucks, making it a perfect side dish.
Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Fish Sauce: Imparts a salty, umami depth crucial for authentic Thai flavor.
- Chili-Garlic Sauce: Provides a spicy kick and subtle garlicky notes.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Cucumber Options: Experiment with different cucumbers in this Thai salad for unique twists. English cucumbers offer a sweeter taste, garden cucumbers add crunch. To introduce a nutty flavor, add Persian cucumbers.
- Dressing Options: For an alternative dressing in the Thai cucumber salad, consider a mix of rice vinegar, a touch of sesame oil, and a hint of honey or agave syrup for sweetness.
How to Make Thai Cucumber Salad
Step #1: Combine the lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, chili-garlic sauce, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to soften the garlic’s flavors.
Step #2: Combine chopped cilantro and cucumbers in a large bowl, add the dressing and black pepper, then toss to coat. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step #3: Immediately before serving, sprinkle the chopped cashews over the top. You can also serve this salad alongside Peanut Panang Beef Curry.
Expert Tips
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. This ensures it coats the cucumbers evenly.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing taste. It’s best to prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Cashew Crunch: Toast the cashews lightly before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Replace the chili-garlic sauce with chili flakes for mild heat, or use chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or sliced Thai chilies for a stronger spice. Adjust the quantity to your preference.
Yes, incorporating fresh herbs like mint or basil can enhance the salad. Mint offers a refreshing flavor, and basil gives a sweet, spicy touch. Experiment with these herbs to match your taste preferences.
Storage Info
Store the Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it’s best consumed within 1-2 days, as cucumbers tend to lose their crunch over time.
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Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. chili-garlic sauce
- 2 cloves garlic - very finely minced
- 2 large cucumbers - partially peeled and cut into half-circles
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 c. chopped cashews
Instructions
- Combine the lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, chili-garlic sauce, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to soften the garlic's flavors.
- Combine chopped cilantro and cucumbers in a large bowl, add the dressing and black pepper, then toss to coat. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Immediately before serving, sprinkle the chopped cashews over the top. You can also serve this salad alongside Peanut Panang Beef Curry.
NOTES
Nutrition
Love this dish but the thing is am greatly fond of arabic recipes which always drive me off.last day came to have lamb machboos.Oh my god..No wonder why arabic recipes are notable all over the world.Love to have it again and again…Anyways love this cucumber and cashew salad they are healthy at the same time tasty ….Will make a try on it and let you know the result..
Will be back soon!:)
Yummmm…It seems delicious!
xoxo!