Thai Cucumber Salad with Cilantro and Chili
Fresh and vibrant, this Thai Cucumber Salad offers a delightful burst of flavors combining crisp cucumber, zesty chili, and fragrant cilantro all brought together by a tangy rice vinegar dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad showcases the best of Thai cuisine. It's refreshing, healthy, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for warm days or when you want to bring a taste of Thailand to your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cucumber
1 medium (peeled and sliced)
red onion
1/2 cup (peeled and thinly sliced)
fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
red chili pepper
1 (sliced (or green))
mixed greens
2-4 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well until both the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
2
Prepare the cucumber by peeling it, then slicing it lengthwise into quarters. Remove the seeds and cut the quarters into 1/8-inch thick crosswise slices.
3
Add the sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced red (or green) chili pepper into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
5
To serve, create a bed of mixed greens on a plate and spoon the marinated salad over the top. Enjoy your refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thai Cucumber Salad with Cilantro and Chili?
It is a fresh and vibrant salad that combines crisp cucumber, zesty chili, and fragrant cilantro with a tangy rice vinegar dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include rice vinegar, sugar, salt, ground black pepper, cucumber, red onion, fresh cilantro, red or green chili pepper, and mixed greens.
How long should I marinate the Thai Cucumber Salad?
The salad should be covered and placed in the refrigerator to marinate for about 3 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Is this Thai Cucumber Salad recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients list provided, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
How do I prepare the cucumber for this recipe?
Peel the cucumber, slice it lengthwise into quarters, remove the seeds, and then cut the quarters into 1/8-inch thick crosswise slices.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is a refreshing and healthy choice, featuring fresh vegetables and a light vinegar-based dressing.
Can I use a green chili instead of a red one?
Yes, you can use either a red or green chili pepper depending on your preference or what you have available.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be peeled and then thinly sliced.
What is the purpose of removing the cucumber seeds?
Removing the seeds helps keep the salad crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming too watery during the marination process.
How do I serve the Thai Cucumber Salad?
To serve, create a bed of 2-4 cups of mixed greens on a plate and spoon the marinated cucumber salad over the top.
Can I skip the marinating process?
While you could eat it immediately, marinating for 3 hours is recommended for the best flavor distribution.
Should I stir the salad while it is in the refrigerator?
Yes, you should stir the salad occasionally while it marinates to ensure even coating of the dressing.
What kind of texture does the salad have?
The salad is described as crisp and refreshing due to the sliced cucumbers and fresh greens.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the rice vinegar.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro leaves are recommended for their fragrance, but you could use dried cilantro in a smaller amount if fresh is unavailable.
What type of meal is this recipe suitable for?
It is ideal as a side dish or a light meal, especially on warm days.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the red or green chili pepper, but you can adjust the spice level by using more or less chili.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While the recipe focuses on cucumber and onion, you can certainly add other vegetables like shredded carrots or bell peppers.
What category of cuisine does this salad fall into?
This dish showcases the best of Thai cuisine.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates null for fat and cholesterol, suggesting it is a very low-fat dish depending on your specific ingredients.
What does the dressing consist of?
The dressing is a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper.
How many cucumbers do I need?
You will need 1 medium-sized cucumber.
What is the preparation for the fresh cilantro?
The fresh cilantro leaves should be chopped before being added to the salad.
Can I substitute the rice vinegar with white vinegar?
White vinegar is stronger and more acidic than rice vinegar; if substituting, you may need to add a bit more sugar to balance the taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Generally yes, but you should verify that your specific brand of rice vinegar is certified gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, one medium cucumber usually provides 2 to 4 side servings.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a natural sweetener substitute for the granulated sugar.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include thai salad, vegetable salad, cucumber salad, healthy side dish, fresh salad, asian cuisine, vegan, and refreshing salad.