A vibrant Thai cucumber salad served in a clear glass bowl. Thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with bright red chili flakes, chopped cilantro, and slivers of red onion. The dish is garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs, showcasing a colorful, fresh, and appealing presentation with a glossy dressing coating the vegetables.

Light & Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad

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Light & Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad 🥗🌿✨

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a Thai cucumber salad that is both light and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This refreshing cucumber salad is perfect for summer days, quick lunches, or as a zesty side dish. Its crisp textures and tangy dressing make it an irresistible light Thai salad that complements a variety of dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or craving a healthy snack, this salad will become your go-to recipe.

2. Ingredients for Thai cucumber salad

  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Juice of 1 lime

3. How to make the best Thai cucumber salad

Preparation of ingredients

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master for quick and uniform slices. Mince the garlic and slice the chili if you’re using it for a spicy kick. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.

Mixing the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lime juice. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste by adding more honey or lime juice.

Assembling the salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the dressing. Toss gently until every slice is coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a fresh finishing touch.

Chill and serve

Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold for a truly refreshing experience. The zesty citrus shrimp salad or summer chicken with peaches can be excellent pairing options.

4. Storage tips for Thai cucumber salad

Store leftover Thai cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to keep its crispness and flavor. For longer storage, add an extra splash of lime juice or vinegar before serving again.

5. Serving suggestions & pairing ideas

This refreshing cucumber salad makes a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or rice dishes. Try pairing it with tender juicy chicken or classic fried chicken for a balanced and flavorful meal. It also works well as a light appetizer or a side for Asian-inspired dishes.

Enhance your meal experience with Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to keep your drinks icy cold while you enjoy this vibrant salad.

6. Frequently asked questions about Thai cucumber salad

Can I customize the spice level?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of red chili to suit your spice preference. Removing it entirely will give you a milder, gentler flavor.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan. Just ensure that the honey is replaced with a vegan sweetener if desired.

How long does it take to prepare?

The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up on busy days.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

8. Related recipes you might enjoy

9. Conclusion

With its vibrant flavors and crisp textures, this Thai cucumber salad is an excellent addition to any meal. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for warm days or when you want a healthy, flavorful side dish. Feel free to experiment with ingredients like added herbs or spice levels to customize it to your taste. Enjoy creating this delightful light Thai salad and impress your family and friends with its fresh and zesty appeal!

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A vibrant Thai cucumber salad served in a clear glass bowl. Thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with bright red chili flakes, chopped cilantro, and slivers of red onion. The dish is garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs, showcasing a colorful, fresh, and appealing presentation with a glossy dressing coating the vegetables.

Light & Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad

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Print Recipe

Discover the perfect Light & Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad, a vibrant and zesty Asian side dish ideal for summer meals, featuring crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs. Quick, easy, and healthy, it’s the ultimate refreshing Thai salad for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master for quick and uniform slices. Mince the garlic and slice the chili if you’re using it for a spicy kick. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lime juice. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste by adding more honey or lime juice.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the dressing. Toss gently until every slice is coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a fresh finishing touch.
  4. Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold for a truly refreshing experience. The zesty citrus shrimp salad or summer chicken with peaches can be excellent pairing options.

Notes

  • Store leftover Thai cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to keep its crispness and flavor. For longer storage, add an extra splash of lime juice or vinegar before serving again.
  • This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and rice dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 60 Kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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