Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad: A Zesty Asian-Inspired Treat! 🥒🔥🥜
1. Introduction
Discover the vibrant flavors of Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad, an irresistible Asian-inspired dish bursting with fresh crunch, bold spices, and creamy peanut dressing. Perfect as a light appetizer or a refreshing side, this Peanut Dressing Salad combines cool cucumbers with a fiery, nutty sauce that awakens your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a healthy addition to your meal repertoire, this easy-to-make salad is sure to become a favorite.
2. Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
3. How to Make Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad — Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cucumbers
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Use a sharp knife or a Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to slice cucumbers into thin rounds or matchsticks, depending on your preference. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
Making the Peanut Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Add the Sriracha for heat, then stir until smooth. Mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger, followed by the sesame oil. Adjust the spiciness or sweetness to your taste.
Tossing the Salad
Pour the peanut dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently until evenly coated. For extra crunch, sprinkle in chopped peanuts. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
Serving the Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad
Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. For longer storage, refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Salad
Keep any leftover Asian Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since cucumbers tend to release water, drain excess liquid before serving again. To keep the salad crisp, add a splash of fresh dressing or squeeze a little lemon before serving leftovers.
5. Serving Suggestions for Peanut Dressing Salad
This Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or tofu. It also pairs well with dishes like lemon herb chicken gyros or creamy pasta dishes for a well-rounded meal. For a complete Asian-inspired feast, include other salads like spicy pickles.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best crunch, prepare the salad shortly before serving. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss with cucumbers just before serving.
Can I substitute peanut butter with other nut butters?
Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter makes a delicious alternative, adding unique flavors while maintaining the creamy texture.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, ensure that the soy sauce is vegan-friendly and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process, including slicing and dressing, takes approximately 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – The perfect tool for quickly slicing cucumbers into uniform pieces, saving you time and effort!
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep your ingredients fresh or serve chilled drinks alongside your salad for a complete meal experience.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – A reliable set to prepare any dressings or side dishes with ease.
8. Conclusion
Enjoy the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess with this Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that adds a fresh twist to your meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick snack, this Peanut Dressing Salad is sure to impress. Get creative with your garnishes and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Asian-inspired treat!
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Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad: A Zesty Asian-Inspired Treat!
Discover the vibrant and spicy flavors of Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad, a refreshing Asian-inspired dish packed with crunch, bold spices, and creamy peanut dressing. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this quick-to-make salad features thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a fiery, nutty sauce, making it an ideal healthy addition to any meal.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Use a sharp knife or a Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to slice cucumbers into thin rounds or matchsticks, then place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Add the Sriracha for heat, then stir until smooth. Mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger, followed by the sesame oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently until evenly coated. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but best enjoyed fresh to keep the cucumbers crisp.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add more chopped peanuts or other nuts such as cashews or almonds.
- If you prefer milder spice, reduce the amount of Sriracha or chili paste.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly dressing.
- Wash and pat dry cucumbers thoroughly to prevent excess water in the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg