The first bite of this Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a revelation, the crispness of the cucumbers perfectly complemented by the creamy, zesty dressing. It all began during a summer BBQ when I found myself longing for a refreshing dish that broke away from the usual heavy fare. I grabbed a couple of English cucumbers and a few pantry staples, and to my delight, a culinary masterpiece was born.
This salad offers vibrant flavors and an incredible crunch, making it a delightful side or a light meal on its own. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a potluck or simply craving something homemade that doesn’t feel like a chore, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand. So, let’s dive into crafting this simple yet crowd-pleasing dish that promises to rejuvenate your taste buds and keep fast food at bay!
Why will you love Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?
Refreshing, Crisp Taste: The English cucumbers lend a crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy peanut sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish can be whip up in a flash, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to experiment! Whether you prefer more spice or additional veggies, this recipe easily adapts to your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: From BBQs to family dinners, this salad is sure to impress your guests, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also nourishes your body, keeping fast food at bay. Don’t forget to check out another great salad recipe for more ideas!
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredients
Discover the delightful mix of flavors in this refreshing salad!
For the Salad
- Large English cucumbers – the star of this dish, providing that irresistible crunch.
- Salt – helps draw out moisture and enhance the cucumbers’ flavor.
- Chopped peanuts, toasted – adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
For the Dressing
- Low-sodium soy sauce – brings a savory depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- Rice vinegar – offers a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
- Peanut butter – creates a creamy texture and nutty flavor that’s key in your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce.
- Honey – sweetens the profile, perfectly balancing the heat and tang.
- Minced garlic – infuses the dressing with aromatic warmth.
- Dried red chili flakes – adds a kick, adjust to taste for spice lovers!
- Ground black pepper – enhances the flavors of the dressing with a hint of bite.
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley – brightens the dish with freshness and color.
How to Make Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
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Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the English cucumbers and place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and gently toss to coat. Allow them to sit for one hour in a colander to drain excess moisture.
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Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried chili flakes, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the drained cucumbers into a large bowl. Add in the toasted peanuts and fresh parsley. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over everything and toss thoroughly to coat every piece.
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Serve & Enjoy: For the best flavor, serve the salad immediately at room temperature. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and toss again before serving.
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped peanuts for added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Don’t Skip the Salting: Salting the cucumbers draws out excess moisture, ensuring your salad remains crisp and not soggy. Patience is key!
- Adjust the Spice: Taste the dressing before adding chili flakes; you can always add more if you like it spicy, but it’s hard to tone it down.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh parsley brightens the dish. Dried herbs won’t provide the same freshness, so opt for the real deal!
- Prep in Advance: This dish can be made ahead. Just remember to toss it again before serving to refresh the flavors and texture!
- Dressing Variety: Feel free to get creative with the dressing. Adding ginger or lime juice can offer a delightful twist to your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce!
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for low-sodium soy sauce to ensure your dressing is gluten-free. You’ll maintain that savory flavor without sacrificing taste.
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Crunchy Add-In: Add thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots for extra crunch. Their fresh flavors will elevate the dish and provide a beautiful pop of color!
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Creamy Alternative: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. Each alternative brings a unique twist while keeping the creaminess intact.
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Herb Boost: Enhance flavor by adding fresh mint or cilantro along with the parsley. These herbs will bring a refreshing brightness, giving a new dimension to your salad!
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Spicy Variation: Increase the dried red chili flakes or add a splash of sriracha for an extra kick. This move is perfect for those who love a fiery challenge!
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Veggie Twist: Toss in diced bell peppers or snap peas for extra veggies. Their crispness pairs wonderfully with the cucumbers, adding to the overall texture delightfulness.
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Sweet Variation: Replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. Both will lend a delicious sweetness that complements the spicy notes beautifully!
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Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, remove the peanuts and try using toasted pumpkin seeds instead. They provide a delightful crunch while keeping the dish allergen-friendly.
Storage Tips for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
Room Temperature: Serve immediately for the best taste. If left out, enjoy within 1 hour to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll last up to 3 days. Always toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of cucumbers may become mushy upon thawing, compromising your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce.
Reheating: If you’ve refrigerated leftovers, no reheating is needed; simply let the salad come to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that will create a harmonious meal.
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Grilled Chicken Skewers: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the salad’s freshness, making it a perfect protein-rich addition.
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Quinoa Salad: A fluffy quinoa salad with herbs and lemon zest adds a wholesome grain component that perfectly balances the dish. The nutty taste is a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
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Asian Sesame Noodles: These savory noodles offer a hearty carbohydrate option while harmoniously matching the Asian-inspired flavors of the peanut sauce.
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Spring Rolls: Fresh, crispy spring rolls filled with veggies or shrimp provide a light, crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience. They also offer a fun, interactive way to enjoy the meal.
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Tofu Stir-Fry: A colorful tofu stir-fry with crisp vegetables introduces a different texture and a balance of flavors, perfectly accompanying the salad’s spiciness.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Riesling will elevate the meal, enhancing the flavors and bringing a refreshing touch.
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Coconut Lychee Sorbet: For dessert, indulge in a coconut lychee sorbet; its sweet and creamy notes conclude the meal with a tropical flair, making it an unexpected delight.
Make Ahead Options
These Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can slice the cucumbers and prepare the dressing (soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, garlic, chili flakes, and black pepper) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the sliced cucumbers in a covered container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp. Gradually assemble all the components—cucumbers, toasted peanuts, fresh parsley, and dressing—just before serving. When ready, toss everything together and serve at room temperature for the best flavor, ensuring this refreshing dish remains just as delicious!
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best cucumbers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for firm English cucumbers with a vibrant green skin, free from dark spots or wrinkles. The best cucumbers should feel solid in your hand and have a smooth, unblemished surface, ensuring you get that crisp texture that’s essential for your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce.
What’s the best way to store leftovers from the salad?
Very! For optimal freshness, place any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good toss before serving to revitalize the flavors and mix the dressing back throughout the cucumbers.
Can I freeze this dish for later enjoyment?
Freezing is not recommended for Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce. Cucumbers have high water content, and freezing can cause them to become mushy when thawed, altering their delightful crunch. Enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste experience!
What should I do if my dressing is too thick?
If you find your dressing too thick, simply add a teaspoon of warm water, then whisk thoroughly until you reach your desired consistency. This addition will make it easier to coat the cucumbers evenly, ensuring that every bite of your Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce is packed with flavor!
Is this dish suitable for people with nut allergies?
If you’re serving someone with nut allergies, it’s important to avoid using peanut butter and toasted peanuts. You can substitute with sun butter or tahini for a nut-free variation, and still enjoy a deliciously creamy dressing that enhances your salad without compromising taste.
How can I adjust the spice level in the dressing?
Absolutely adjustable! To tame the heat, start by reducing the amount of dried red chili flakes in the dressing. You can also balance spice with a little extra honey or more creamy peanut butter. Remember, it’s always easier to add more spice than to take it away, so taste as you go!
Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce: A Flavorful Delight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the English cucumbers and place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and gently toss to coat. Allow them to sit for one hour in a colander to drain excess moisture.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried chili flakes, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the drained cucumbers into a large bowl. Add in the toasted peanuts and fresh parsley. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over everything and toss thoroughly to coat every piece.
- For the best flavor, serve the salad immediately at room temperature. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and toss again before serving.