Thai Cucumber Salad

This easy Thai cucumber salad recipe is the perfect refreshing side dish to pair with chicken satay, cozy curries, or your favorites from the grill! It’s even gluten‑free and dairy‑free, making it a versatile choice for summertime meals.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a festive picnic, or just looking for a light, flavorful side dish to brighten up your weeknight dinner, this Thai-inspired cucumber salad is a fantastic option. The crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and hint of heat create a delicious contrast that complements a wide variety of main dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-refreshing – Cool cucumbers meet tangy, sweet, and spicy dressing.
• Quick & easy – Ready in under 15 minutes.
• Diet-friendly – Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly.
• Perfect party side – Great for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
• Make-ahead option – Prep early and let flavors meld.

Serve alongside my Slow Cooker BBQ Beef or pair with zesty protein like Bang Bang Chicken Burgers for a balanced summer spread!

Ingredients You Will Need

For the salad:

• 4 cups sliced cucumbers (2 English or 5–6 Persian)
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 2–3 Tbsp minced cilantro (or substitute 1 Tbsp mint + 1 Tbsp basil)

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
• Red chile flakes, to taste
• Crushed peanuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the dressing

Whisk together rice vinegar, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This can be made a day ahead to deepen flavor.

2. Prepare the salad

In a bowl, toss sliced cucumbers, green onion, and cilantro (or mint + basil).

3. Combine & toss

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. It may seem like a lot of dressing—that’s intentional!

4. Taste & season

Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or heat with more sweet chili sauce or red pepper flakes.

5. Garnish

Sprinkle with sesame seeds, red chile flakes, crushed peanuts, extra cilantro, or sliced red chiles.

Optional Trick: Salt the Cucumbers

To keep the salad crisp longer, sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt and let sit 10–15 minutes. Drain any liquid and pat dry before dressing. Ideal if you’re prepping ahead.

Serve & Store

• Serve immediately for the freshest crunch.
• Chill and serve within 2–3 hours to maintain crisp texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
• Note: Cucumbers will soften over time as they continue marinating.

Nutritional Benefits

This Thai cucumber salad is light yet flavorful, boasting:

• Low calories – Only ~25 calories per 2/3 cup serving.
• Hydrating – High water content keeps you refreshed.
• Dairy & gluten-free – Fit for nearly any dietary preference.
• Heart-healthy fats – From sesame oil and optional peanuts.

The cucumbers provide plenty of hydration and vitamins, while the rice vinegar offers a boost of digestion-friendly acidity. The use of Thai sweet chili sauce adds a small amount of natural sugars and spice that make this salad feel indulgent without weighing you down.

Flavor Variations

• Add bell peppers or carrots for color and sweetness.
• Use mint and Thai basil instead of cilantro for different herbal notes.
• Make it fiery with extra red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chiles.
• Create a creamy dressing by whisking in a spoonful of coconut cream.
• Add mango or pineapple for a sweet tropical twist.
• Include shredded cabbage to give the salad more volume and crunch.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—the simple dressing works beautifully with all kinds of vegetables and fruits.

Pairing Ideas

This Thai cucumber salad pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, both Thai-inspired and not. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

• Grilled meats – Chicken satay, pork skewers, or shrimp.
• Curries – Green curry, red curry, or Massaman curry.
• Noodle dishes – Pad Thai, drunken noodles, or rice noodle salads.
• Burgers – Especially zesty options like Bang Bang Chicken Burgers.
• Slow cooked dishes – The cool crunch of this salad is the perfect counterpoint to rich meats like Slow Cooker BBQ Beef.
• Seafood – Grilled fish or shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use any cucumber?
Yes! English, Persian, or even garden cucumbers work. Seeded or peeled varieties are ideal for texture.

Is this spicy?
Not unless you want it to be. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or sweet chili sauce to suit your heat preference.

Can I omit nuts and sesame?
Absolutely! They’re optional, but add crunchy texture and rich flavor.

How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prep the dressing and vegetables in advance and combine them just before serving. If fully assembled ahead, the salad is best eaten within a few hours.

Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes! This is a very scalable recipe and works well in larger batches for entertaining.

Similar Salads Around the World

Thai cucumber salad shares similarities with other global dishes like:

• Kachumber – A fresh South Asian cucumber-tomato-onion salad seasoned with lemon juice and chili.
• Israeli salad – A chopped cucumber and tomato mix, seasoned simply with olive oil and lemon.
• Japanese sunomono – A cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds, often served as a palate cleanser.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep ahead by slicing cucumbers and making dressing in advance.
• Avoid sogginess by salting cucumbers first and draining.
• Pack for lunch in meal prep containers—perfect for hot days.
• Extend crunch by storing components separately and tossing just before serving.
• Keep chilled at all times to maintain the crisp texture.

If you do end up with leftovers, they’re delicious the next day, though the cucumbers will become more marinated and slightly softer.

Final Thoughts

Easy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, this Thai cucumber salad is the ideal side dish for summer meals and gatherings. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken satay, warming curries, or hearty dishes like Slow Cooker BBQ Beef and Bang Bang Chicken Burgers, it’s sure to freshen up your plate.

This is one of those recipes that I come back to again and again—it’s simple to make, pairs with almost anything, and adds a refreshing touch to heavier or spicy meals. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and BBQs, especially on warm days when you want something cool and vibrant.

Try it for your next cookout, July 4th BBQ, or casual dinner—and don’t forget to share how it turned out! Save this post to Pinterest for effortless weeknight or weekend meal planning. If you love light, flavorful side dishes, you might also enjoy exploring some of the other global salad recipes on my site for more fresh inspiration.

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