Whip up this easy Thai Cucumber Salad for a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal effort! Perfect alongside your favorite Thai dishes or as a light, refreshing side, this recipe combines crisp cucumbers, spicy jalapenos, and a tangy dressing for a delicious addition to any meal.

A title box reading: Easiest Ever Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe. Below it sits a shallow bowl holding sliced, halved cucumbers with dressing, jalapeno pepper slices, and chopped nuts.

Nothing beats a crisp, delicious salad that’s bursting with flavor, especially when it’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

This easy Thai Cucumber Salad recipe is the perfect side dish for not only your favorite Thai dishes but anytime you’re in the mood for a light, refreshing side salad. Packed with crisp cucumbers, spicy jalapeno peppers, fresh herbs, and coated with a tangy rice vinegar dressing, it’s a great addition to any meal.

A Little Bit About Thai Food

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a little bit about Thai cuisine, which is renowned for its harmonious blend of flavors.

Thai food is known for combining sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy elements in a single dish. Ingredients such as fresh herbs, spicy chili peppers, creamy coconut milk, and tangy lime juice are staples, contributing to the cuisine’s distinctive and vibrant taste. Thai dishes often feature a mix of textures as well, from the crunch of fresh vegetables to the silkiness of coconut-based sauces.

This cool cucumber salad recipe is a perfect example of this tradition, combining the great flavors of fresh vegetables with a touch of heat and a delicious dressing.

Sliced, halved cucumbers with dressing, jalapeno pepper slices, and chopped cashews in a shallow bowl.

What You’ll Need to Make the Easiest Ever Thai Cucumber Salad

2 large English cucumbers, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/4 inch “moons”
1 TBSP kosher salt
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

A silver colander holding halved slices of cucumber sprinkled with salt. A cutting board and knife sit in the corner.

How to Make This Delicious Cucumber Salad

Begin by placing a colander into your sink, adding the sliced cucumbers, and tossing them with the salt. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes and then rinse well with cold water. Dry them really well with a paper towel or a clean white flour sack towel. (I keep a stash of these on hand solely to dry fruits and veggies. It’s so much easier than using paper towels – just make sure you don’t use bleach on them when washing.)

Next, whisk together the sugar and rice vinegar in a small bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved. Place the cucumber slices, jalapenos, and cilantro (if using) in a large bowl. Pour the salad dressing over the salad ingredients and gently stir everything together to combine.

Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. (Plus, this salad tastes best when chilled.) Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts just before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Your Thai Cucumber Salad

For an extra touch of Thai authenticity, consider adding a splash of fish sauce or lime juice to the dressing for a deeper flavor profile.

If you’re a fan of extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the salad or chop up a small red onion and add it.

Persian cucumbers can be used as an alternative to English cucumbers for a slightly different texture and taste.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Cilantro is a touchy ingredient for some people. My family loves it, so I usually include it in the recipe, but if I’m not sure of my guests’ preferences, I’ll either omit it completely or serve it in a small bowl on the side so everyone can take it or leave it.

Cashews are a great substitute for crunchy peanuts in this recipe.

For extra color, sprinkle a few black sesame seeds or chopped green onions on the salad before serving.

This Thai Cucumber Salad recipe brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly enjoyable. Whether you’re pairing this awesome salad with a main dish, or having it as a light lunch, this crisp salad is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a quick, flavorful option.

Give it a try, and this delicious cucumber salad just might become a new favorite!

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