Zesty Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Zesty Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts. Inspired by Nancie McDermott's Real Vegetarian Thai, this refreshing dish combines crisp cucumbers and crunchy peanuts in a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing. Perfect as a side for any Thai meal, this salad is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your everyday dining. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors is sure to delight your taste buds. Serve it alongside dishes like Thai Shrimp with Coconut-Almond Rice for a delightful fusion of flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
white vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
sugar
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
large cucumber
1 (about 12 oz) (peeled and sliced lengthwise into quarters)
red onion
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
dry roasted salted peanuts
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (coarsely chopped)
fresh cilantro leaves
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts?
It is a refreshing Thai side dish that combines crisp cucumbers and crunchy peanuts in a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Nancie McDermott's cookbook, 'Real Vegetarian Thai'.
Is this Thai cucumber salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from a mixture of white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
How should I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be peeled and sliced lengthwise into quarters before being cut into pieces.
What type of peanuts are best for this salad?
The recipe calls for dry roasted salted peanuts that are finely chopped.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe specifically uses red onion for its color and flavor, coarsely chopped.
Is this salad considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian dish and is inspired by vegetarian Thai cooking traditions.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
The salad features a 'zesty' profile, balancing sweet and sour notes with the freshness of cilantro.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar for the dressing.
What should I serve with Zesty Thai Cucumber Salad?
It pairs excellently with Thai Shrimp with Coconut-Almond Rice or any Thai-inspired main course.
How much vinegar is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Do I need to use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro plus extra leaves for garnish.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-prepare dish ideal for everyday dining.
How much salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, the listed ingredients (vinegar, sugar, vegetables, peanuts, herbs) are all vegan-friendly.
What is the recommended size for the cucumber?
You should use one large cucumber, approximately 12 ounces in weight.
How should the red onion be chopped?
The red onion should be coarsely chopped to provide a bit of texture.
What provides the 'crunch' in this salad?
The crunch comes from both the fresh cucumbers and the finely chopped dry roasted peanuts.
Can I use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar?
While the recipe specifies white vinegar, rice vinegar is a common substitute in Thai cooking for a slightly milder acidity.
Is the cilantro used only as a garnish?
No, it is used both as an ingredient (3 tablespoons chopped) and as a garnish (leaves to taste).
Does the recipe include any spicy ingredients?
No, this specific recipe focuses on sweet and sour flavors rather than heat.
How much water is added to the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to balance the vinegar and sugar.
What category does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as a Thai salad or a vegetable side dish.
How many peanuts should I use?
The recipe recommends 1/3 cup of finely chopped dry roasted salted peanuts.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is a refreshing and sturdy salad, though it is best served chilled.
Do I need to deseed the cucumber?
The instructions specify slicing into quarters but do not explicitly require deseeding; however, doing so can prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt mixture can be prepared ahead of time and chilled.
Is this recipe low fat?
While peanuts contain healthy fats, the rest of the ingredients are virtually fat-free, making it a relatively light side dish.
How should I serve the final dish?
Toss the ingredients together and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves to taste right before serving.