Description
This Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and spicy Asian-inspired dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing made from chili oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh green onions, it makes a perfect no-cook side dish for warm weather or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumbers
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced or smashed
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons chili oil (with flakes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Toppings
- 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers, then slice them into thin rounds or smash lightly with the flat side of a knife for a rustic texture. Place them in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Dry the cucumbers: Pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove excess water before transferring them to a mixing bowl.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat all slices evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the roughly chopped roasted peanuts and thinly sliced green onions over the salad and toss again gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or chill it for 15 minutes to intensify flavors before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your preferred heat tolerance.
- For an extra zest, add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a spicy, crunchy side dish on its own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
