Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad with Asian-Inspired Flavors 🥗🥜🌶️
1. Introduction
Discover the vibrant and refreshing world of Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad, an Asian-inspired dish that combines crunchy cucumbers with a savory, spicy peanut dressing. This Peanut Dressing Salad is perfect as a light appetizer, side dish, or even a healthy main course. Thanks to its bold flavors and crisp texture, it’s a crowd favorite that’s easy to make and can be whipped up in just minutes.
2. Ingredients for the 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 sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: chopped peanuts for extra crunch
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Asian Cucumber Salad
Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice them thinly. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Make the Peanut Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha. Gradually add water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable but not too runny.
Toss the Salad
Pour the peanut dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Toss gently to coat all the pieces thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more sriracha or soy sauce if needed.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. For added texture, you can also sprinkle chopped peanuts. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
4. Storage Tips for the Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumber may release some water over time, so give it a gentle toss before serving again. For best flavor and texture, consume within 24 hours.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Asian-Inspired Peanut Salad
This Peanut Dressing Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, spring rolls, or sushi. It also works well as a light lunch or picnic dish. For an extra burst of flavor, serve it alongside some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
6. FAQs about Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad
Can I substitute the peanut butter with allergy-friendly options?
Yes, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as alternatives if you have nut allergies. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How spicy is this salad?
The level of spice can be adjusted by the amount of sriracha or chili paste used. For milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili component.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad can be assembled in about 15 minutes, making it an ideal quick and healthy recipe.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for slicing cucumbers uniformly and efficiently, ensuring a beautiful presentation for your salad.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Keep your dressing and ingredients chilled while prepping for a cold, refreshing salad experience.
- Deluxe 33-Piece Silicone Utensil Set: Comes in handy for stirring, tossing, and serving this vibrant salad with ease.
- Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Smart Outdoor Grill: For an outdoor gathering, pair your salad with grilled skewers or meat for a complete meal.
These tools help streamline your cooking process and enhance the overall experience of preparing your Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad.
8. Conclusion
The Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Asian-inspired flavors. Its crunchy texture, bold dressing, and versatile serving options make it a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply want a healthy snack, this salad is guaranteed to impress. Be sure to experiment with toppings and spice levels to make it your own!
9. Enjoy Your Delicious Asian Cucumber Salad!
With its easy preparation, fresh ingredients, and irresistible flavor, this Peanut Dressing Salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to check out the suggested kitchen tools to elevate your cooking experience. Happy cooking!
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Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad with Asian-Inspired Flavors
Enjoy a vibrant and refreshing Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad inspired by Asian flavors. This quick and easy recipe combines crisp cucumbers with a spicy, savory peanut dressing, perfect as a light appetizer, side dish, or healthy main course. Packed with bold flavors and crunchy textures, it’s a crowd favorite that can be prepared in just minutes.
- Total Time: 15 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 sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: chopped peanuts for extra crunch
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice them thinly. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha. Gradually add water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable but not too runny.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Toss gently to coat all the pieces thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more sriracha or soy sauce if needed.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumber may release some water over time, so give it a gentle toss before serving again.
- For best flavor and texture, consume within 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Appetizer, Healthy
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 11 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg