Refreshing Cucumber and Bean Sprout Salad with Mint and Chili
This vibrant and refreshing salad combines crisp telegraph cucumbers, crunchy bean sprouts, and the sharp bite of red onion, all elevated by fresh herbs like mint and coriander. Tossed in a zesty dressing that marries lime juice, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of fish sauce, this dish is not only loaded with fresh flavors but also offers a delightful crunch in every bite. Perfect for summer picnics or as a light side dish, this salad is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce while giving your taste buds a refreshing kick. Inspired by a delightful television cooking segment, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering, and let’s hope my friend Annelien enjoys it as much as I do!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Telegraph cucumber
1 (quartered lengthwise and sliced thinly (about 500 grams))
Red onion
1 medium (peeled, halved, and sliced thinly)
Bean sprouts
2 cups (rinsed and drained)
Fresh mint
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh coriander
1/4 cup (chopped)
Lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Peanut oil
1 tablespoon (as dressing base)
Sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons (as dressing)
Fish sauce
1 teaspoon (as dressing)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing all the salad ingredients: slice the cucumber into quartered lengths followed by thin slices, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the fresh mint and coriander.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumber slices, sliced red onion, bean sprouts, chopped mint, and chopped coriander.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, peanut oil, sweet chili sauce, and fish sauce until well combined.
4
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
5
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy this salad chilled, garnished with extra mint if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Refreshing Cucumber and Bean Sprout Salad with Mint and Chili.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include Telegraph cucumber, red onion, bean sprouts, fresh mint, and coriander.
How do I prepare the cucumber for this salad?
Slice the Telegraph cucumber into quartered lengths and then into thin slices, totaling about 500 grams.
What type of onion should I use?
Use one medium red onion, peeled, halved, and sliced thinly.
Do the bean sprouts need to be cooked?
No, the bean sprouts are used fresh; simply rinse and drain them before adding to the salad.
What herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh coriander.
What is in the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of lime juice, peanut oil, sweet chili sauce, and fish sauce.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild, sweet heat from the two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce.
Can I substitute the peanut oil?
Yes, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if you have a peanut allergy or preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While tagged as vegetarian, it contains fish sauce; to make it strictly vegetarian, use a vegan fish sauce or soy sauce.
How much cucumber is required?
The recipe uses one Telegraph cucumber, which is approximately 500 grams.
How much bean sprouts do I need?
You will need 2 cups of rinsed and drained bean sprouts.
What is the first step in making the salad?
Start by slicing the cucumber, onion, and chopping the fresh herbs.
How do I mix the dressing?
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, peanut oil, sweet chili sauce, and fish sauce.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
This salad is best enjoyed chilled for maximum refreshment.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect summer picnic dish or light side dish.
Can I make this salad in advance?
It is best served fresh to maintain the crunch, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time.
How do I garnish the salad?
You can garnish the finished dish with extra mint leaves if desired.
What is a Telegraph cucumber?
It is a long, thin, seedless cucumber variety often sold in plastic wrap, also known as an English cucumber.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for the salad and dressing.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad is very crunchy thanks to the cucumber, raw bean sprouts, and red onion.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, it would pair well with grilled shrimp or shredded chicken for a more substantial meal.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and fish sauce to ensure they are gluten-free.
How much fish sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fish sauce in the dressing.
What kind of chili sauce is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce.
Who was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a television cooking segment and shared with a friend named Annelien.
How do I ensure the dressing is well combined?
Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl before drizzling them over the salad.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Telegraph cucumbers?
Yes, but you may want to peel them or remove the seeds if they are large.
How do I toss the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients in a large bowl and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
What should I do before serving?
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving it chilled.