Zesty Thai Cucumber and Onion Salad
This refreshing Zesty Thai Cucumber and Onion Salad is a delightful twist on a classic dish. Inspired by a beloved family recipe, it's perfect for summer picnics or as a vibrant side dish for any meal. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, this salad features crisp English cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, and a fragrant dressing made with rice wine vinegar and sambal oelek. The addition of fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, while optional crushed peanuts provide a satisfying crunch. Marinating in the savory dressing allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1/2 cup (substitute with Splenda if desired)
rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup (substitute with red wine vinegar if desired)
water
1/4 cup (none)
sambal oelek
1 tablespoon (or 1 tablespoon of Thai chili-garlic sauce)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
English cucumber
1-2 (unpeeled, sliced thin)
red onion
1/4 cup (sliced thin)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
peanuts
3 tablespoons (chopped for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, rice wine vinegar, water, sambal oelek (or Thai chili-garlic sauce), and salt. Stir the mixture well.
2
Place the saucepan over low-medium heat, cooking gently until the sugar has completely dissolved, stirring occasionally.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and chopped cilantro.
4
Pour the warm dressing mixture over the cucumber and onion mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. For the best flavor, allow it to marinate longer.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle additional chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts on top, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Cucumber and Onion Salad?
It is a refreshing side dish featuring English cucumbers and red onions in a sweet, tangy, and spicy dressing inspired by Thai flavors.
What kind of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for English cucumbers because they are crisp and have thinner skins.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
No, the cucumbers should be left unpeeled and sliced thin for the best texture and appearance.
Can I substitute rice wine vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar as a substitute if rice wine vinegar is not available.
Is there a sugar-free option for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of sugar with Splenda or your preferred sugar alternative.
Is this salad very spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the sambal oelek, but you can adjust the amount to suit your personal spice tolerance.
What is sambal oelek?
Sambal oelek is a traditional Indonesian chili paste made from crushed raw red chilis and salt.
What can I use if I cannot find sambal oelek?
You can substitute sambal oelek with an equal amount of Thai chili-garlic sauce.
How long should the salad marinate before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated and allowed to marinate for at least one hour for the best flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead dish as the flavors meld beautifully the longer it marinates.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based and vegan.
Is this Thai cucumber salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your vinegar and chili sauce to be certain.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers are great additions that complement the flavors.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
It serves as a vibrant side dish for grilled meats, satay, or any Thai-inspired meal.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for its herbaceous flavor, but you can use a smaller amount of dried cilantro if necessary.
How should the red onions be sliced?
The red onions should be sliced very thin so they blend well with the cucumbers and absorb the dressing.
Why do I need to heat the dressing?
Heating the mixture over low-medium heat ensures that the sugar dissolves completely into the vinegar and water.
Are the peanuts necessary?
The crushed peanuts are optional but recommended for adding a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is a light, vegetable-forward side dish that is refreshing and relatively low in fat.
Is this recipe good for summer picnics?
Yes, its bright and refreshing flavors make it a perfect addition to any summer gathering or picnic.
What defines the 'Thai' profile of this salad?
The combination of vinegar, sugar, and chili-garlic sauce creates the classic sweet, tangy, and spicy balance found in Thai cuisine.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Red onions are preferred for their color and mild taste, but you could use shallots for a similar profile.
How many servings does the recipe yield?
Using 1 to 2 English cucumbers typically provides about 4 to 6 side-dish servings.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad is crisp and crunchy, with a light liquid dressing that slightly softens the vegetables over time.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, chilled shrimp, or tofu can transform this side salad into a light main course.
Should the salad be served cold or at room temperature?
It is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator, to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to serve a larger group.
Can I use regular garden cucumbers?
You can, but you may want to peel them and remove the seeds as they have thicker skins and more moisture.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is very simple to make and requires only basic chopping and heating skills.