🥒 Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

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If you’re craving a light yet flavorful side dish, this Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing will become one of your favorites. Crisp cucumbers bring refreshing crunch, while the creamy-spicy peanut dressing adds layers of richness and bold flavors. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, nutty, and spicy, making it a versatile dish for everyday meals, barbecues, or Asian-inspired dinners.

Unlike plain cucumber salads, this one gets a gourmet touch with peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sriracha, creating a fusion of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal when you want something healthy yet exciting.

Ingredients

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
2 green onions, chopped
¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, sriracha, and water until smooth and creamy. Adjust water as needed for a pourable consistency.

2. Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers (you can use a mandoline for even slices). Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent extra water from thinning the dressing.

3. Assemble the Salad

Place cucumbers in a large bowl.
Add the dressing and toss until well coated.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes.

4. Serve

Transfer to a serving plate. Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch !

Tips for Best Results 🥗

Use English cucumbers – They’re less watery and have fewer seeds.
Make ahead: Slice cucumbers and prepare dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
Adjust spice: Add more or less sriracha depending on your preference.
Texture boost: Add thinly sliced carrots, red cabbage, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Nut-free version: Swap peanut butter with tahini or sunflower seed butter.

Variations 🌱

🥜 Nut-Free Option – Replace peanut butter with tahini or sunflower seed butter.
🥗 Add Protein – Toss in shredded chicken or tofu for a light main dish.
🍋 Citrusy Twist – Add lime juice for extra freshness.
🍝 Asian-Inspired Meal – Serve this salad as a side for sesame noodles or grilled salmon (BBC Good Food).

Storage 🍱

This salad tastes best freshly dressed, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, store cucumbers and dressing separately to keep them crisp.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~141 kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 1mg

FAQs ❓

Q1: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but peel them and remove the seeds for the best texture.
Q2: How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with mild chili sauce.
Q3: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! It will add extra texture to the dressing.
Q4: Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q5: Can I meal prep this?
Yes, but keep cucumbers and dressing separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

It pairs perfectly with grilled meats like Juicy Garlic Herb Chicken Breast, or as a light starter before enjoying desserts like our Strawberry Cake with Ice Cream.

Final Thoughts 💡

This Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is a quick, healthy, and versatile recipe that turns a simple cucumber into a flavor-packed dish. It’s perfect for hot summer days, BBQs, or whenever you need a refreshing yet bold side dish. Once you try it, you’ll never look at cucumbers the same way again