Spicy Peanut & Cucumber Salad
Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed with crunchy peanuts in a fiery chili-lime dressing. This refreshing Southeast Asian-inspired salad comes together in under 15 minutes with no cooking required. Perfect alongside grilled meats, curries, or as a light standalone lunch with a punchy, addictive heat.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Salt and drain the cucumber slices.
Toss cucumber slices with a pinch of salt in a colander. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
TIPSalting prevents the salad from becoming watery later, keeping it crisp. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk the spicy dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine minced chili, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar.2.Whisk until the sugar fully dissolves.3.Taste and adjust with an extra pinch of salt if needed. - assemble · ~1 min
Toss everything together.
1.In a large bowl, combine dried cucumber slices, sliced red onion, and chopped peanuts.2.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.3.Fold in fresh coriander and mint leaves.TIPToss just before serving so the peanuts stay crunchy. - serve
Serve immediately at room temperature.
Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy right away for maximum crunch.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use Persian or English cucumbers—they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, so the salad stays crunchier.
- 2After salting, pat the cucumber slices thoroughly dry with a towel; any leftover moisture will dilute the dressing.
- 3Toast the peanuts in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes before chopping to deepen their nutty flavor.
- 4Halve or seed the chilies if you want less heat while keeping their fruity flavor.
- 5Make the dressing up to 2 hours ahead, but toss the salad just before serving to keep the peanuts crunchy.
- 6For a milder salad, substitute Thai bird’s eye chilies with a milder red Fresno chili.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Omit the peanuts and replace with toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds—perfect for a lighter, oil-free version that still adds crunch.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken or crumbled firm tofu to turn this side into a satisfying main-dish salad.
veganVegan
Already vegan as written—just ensure your sugar is certified vegan (some refined sugars use bone char).
herb forwardHerb-forward
Double the mint and coriander, and add a handful of fresh Thai basil for an even fresher, more aromatic Southeast Asian profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating & Low-Calorie
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad naturally hydrating and very low in calories while still satisfying.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Peanuts provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and help you feel full longer.
Rich in Antioxidants
Fresh cilantro, mint, and chili all contain antioxidant compounds like quercetin and capsaicin that combat oxidative stress.
Gut-Friendly Zing
Fresh lime juice and garlic offer natural digestive support and a dose of vitamin C.
Frequently asked questions
You can prep the cucumber and dressing separately up to 2 hours ahead, but toss everything together only right before serving to keep the peanuts crunchy.
