Cucumber Salad with Peanuts: A Refreshing and Healthy Recipe

Looking for a refreshing, light, and nutritious side dish or snack? This Cucumber Salad with Peanuts is the perfect choice! Packed with crisp vegetables, a flavorful dressing, and topped with crunchy peanuts, it’s an ideal addition to any meal. The best part? It’s simple to prepare, and it’s full of vibrant flavors that everyone will love.

In this article, we will guide you through every step of creating this delightful salad, from its origin to step-by-step directions and a few variations to make it your own. Let’s dive right into the recipe and explore everything you need to know!

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What is Cucumber Salad with Peanuts?

Cucumber Salad with Peanuts is a fresh and crunchy salad that combines thinly sliced cucumbers, colorful vegetables, and roasted peanuts. The unique combination of textures and flavors makes this salad a standout dish. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. The dressing, made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey, adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the salad, which is further complemented by the crunch of the peanuts.

This salad is not just refreshing but also very nutritious. The cucumbers are hydrating, while the peanuts provide a satisfying crunch along with healthy fats and protein. The inclusion of fresh vegetables like carrots, red bell peppers, and green onions makes it both colorful and nutritious.

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Origin of Cucumber Salad with Peanuts

The concept of cucumber salad with peanuts can be traced back to various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia, where fresh vegetables are often paired with savory, tangy, and spicy dressings. This style of salad is commonly found in Thai, Vietnamese, and even Indonesian cuisines. Each culture has its own twist on the flavors, but the base ingredients like cucumbers, peanuts, and fresh herbs are common.

In many Southeast Asian recipes, peanuts are frequently used to add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to salads. The use of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in the dressing is also inspired by the region’s culinary traditions, particularly in countries like Thailand and Vietnam, where these ingredients are staples.

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Ingredients for Cucumber Salad with Peanuts

 

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious cucumber salad:

For the Salad:

• 2 large Cucumbers (thinly sliced; English or Persian cucumbers work best)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 large Carrot (julienned or grated)
• 2 Green Onions (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Roasted Peanuts (roughly chopped, unsalted)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

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Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method for Cucumber peanut salad

Follow these simple steps to make your Cucumber Salad with Peanuts:

 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice and Chop the Vegetables:
   • Start by preparing the cucumbers. Peel them if you prefer (but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients), and slice them thinly.
   • Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips and the carrot into julienne slices or grate it for finer texture.
   • Chop the green onions and fresh cilantro.

   Once all the vegetables are prepared, place them in a large mixing bowl. You want to make sure the vegetables are evenly cut so they mix well with the dressing.

 2: Make the Dressing

1. Combine the Dressing Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if you’re adding heat).
   • Whisk well until the honey is fully dissolved and the ingredients are combined. The dressing should have a balanced combination of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors.

 3: Mix Salad and Dressing

1. Toss the Salad with the Dressing:
   • Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables in the large mixing bowl.
   • Toss everything together gently until all the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.

 4: Add Peanuts

1. Add Crunchy Peanuts:
   • Just before serving, add the roasted peanuts into the salad.
   • Gently fold them into the mixture to ensure they don’t lose their crunch. If you add the peanuts too early, they can become soggy from the dressing.

 5: Serve

1. Serve Immediately or Chill:
   • For the best texture, serve the salad immediately. However, if you prefer a more developed flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
   • The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.

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Variations of Cucumber Salad with Peanuts

While this Cucumber Salad with Peanuts recipe is simple and delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different ingredients or variations to suit your taste!

1. Add More Crunch:

• For added texture, try incorporating other crunchy vegetables like radishes, snap peas, or cabbage. These vegetables add an extra layer of freshness and crunch, making the salad even more delightful.

2. Make it Spicy:

• If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a fresh chili (sliced thinly). You can also drizzle a small amount of chili oil for a more pronounced spicy kick.

3. Make it Vegan:

• This recipe is already vegan if you substitute honey with maple syrup. For a nut-free version, you can use sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts.

4. Add Protein:

• Turn this salad into a more substantial dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. This is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy lunch or dinner.

5. Add Fruit:

• To add a touch of sweetness, consider mixing in some mango, pineapple, or apple slices. The combination of sweet fruit with the savory dressing and crunchy peanuts will take this salad to the next level.

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FAQs about Cucumber Salad with Peanuts

1. Can I make the cucumber salad ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the peanuts just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy.

2. Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

• Absolutely! You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like cashews, almonds, or walnuts. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces.

3. Can I use other oils for the dressing?

• While sesame oil gives the dressing a unique flavor, you can experiment with other oils like olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer.

4. How long will the salad last in the fridge?

• The salad will last up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator, but the peanuts might lose some of their crunch over time. It’s best to consume it fresh!

5. Can I add other herbs?

• Yes! You can add herbs like mint, basil, or even parsley to give the salad an additional burst of flavor.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Cucumber Salad with Peanuts is a versatile, light, and refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, snack, or even a light lunch, this salad offers a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables, savory dressing, and a nutty finish from the peanuts.

Feel free to experiment with different variations and make this recipe your own by adding your favorite ingredients. With its balance of fresh veggies, flavorful dressing, and satisfying crunch, this salad will quickly become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

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