Spicy Sweet Lime & Peanut Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring the unique sweetness of sweet lime, crisp cucumber, and a spicy, tangy dressing, all brought together with the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts.
For 2 servings
Prepare Sweet Limes: Carefully peel the sweet limes, removing all white pith. Using a sharp knife, segment the limes by cutting between the membranes to release the individual juicy segments. Discard any seeds. Place the segments in a medium mixing bowl.
Chop Vegetables: Wash and dice the cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces. Thinly slice the red onion, separating the rings. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and mint leaves (if using). Add the prepared cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and mint to the bowl with the sweet lime segments.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, granulated sugar, red chili flakes, sea salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want more spice or tang.
Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the sweet lime and vegetable mixture in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the sweet lime segments.
Add Peanuts: Add the roughly chopped roasted peanuts to the salad. Give it another gentle toss to distribute the peanuts throughout the salad.
Serve Immediately: For best texture and flavor, serve the Spicy Sweet Lime & Peanut Salad immediately after preparing. Garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves or chili flakes if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Sweet Lime Selection: Choose sweet limes that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a smooth, blemish-free skin. Avoid any that feel soft or have discolored patches.
- 2Segmenting Technique: To get perfect segments, first cut off the top and bottom of the lime. Then, stand it upright and slice downwards, following the curve of the fruit, to remove the peel and pith. Finally, cut along the membranes to release the segments.
- 3Nut Freshness: For maximum crunch and flavor, ensure your roasted peanuts are fresh. If using raw peanuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool before chopping.
- 4Adjust Spice Level: The amount of red chili flakes can be easily adjusted to your preference. For a milder salad, use less; for extra heat, add a bit more or even a finely minced green chili.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or pan-fried tofu cubes for a more substantial meal.
Tropical TwistTropical Twist
Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for additional sweetness and tropical flavor.
Nut AlternativesNut Alternatives
Substitute roasted cashews, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for the peanuts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Sweet limes and regular limes are excellent sources of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Hydrating and Refreshing
High water content from cucumber and sweet lime helps keep you hydrated, while the citrus notes are naturally refreshing.
Fiber and Healthy Fats
Peanuts provide dietary fiber for digestive health and healthy monounsaturated fats, contributing to satiety and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
It's best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and prevent the sweet lime from becoming too soft. However, you can prep the ingredients (chop veggies, segment limes, make dressing) and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then combine just before serving.
