Description
A refreshing and zesty Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad that combines crisp cucumbers with a spicy, tangy dressing and crunchy roasted peanuts for texture. Perfect as a quick appetizer or side dish, this salad offers a delightful balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a large bowl. If cucumbers are very watery, lightly salt them and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat all slices evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Add the Peanuts: Sprinkle the roughly chopped roasted peanuts over the salad and toss again to distribute the crunch throughout.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For less spice, reduce the chili oil or substitute with a milder oil.
- Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes this recipe gluten-free.
- Lightly salting cucumbers and draining excess moisture prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 hour.
- Adjust sweetness by using honey or maple syrup according to dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
