Description
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.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: 2 large, thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers work well)
- Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
- Carrot: 1 large, julienned or grated
- Green onions: 2, chopped
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Peanuts: 1/2 cup, roasted and roughly chopped (unsalted)
For the Dressing
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Red pepper flakes: (optional) for a bit of heat
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice and Chop:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red bell pepper, carrot, green onions, and chopped cilantro.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- Combine Dressing Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 3: Mix Salad and Dressing
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Add Peanuts
- Finish with Peanuts:
- Gently fold in the chopped peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for about 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra crunch and flavor, add toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili oil. Serve chilled as a refreshing side or a light snack!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Cucumber Salad with Peanuts