Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Feb 10, 2025

Cooking at home should be a joy, not a chore—especially when you have simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. This Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is the perfect example of how bold flavors can be beautifully balanced. Crisp cucumbers bring coolness, while creamy peanut butter, zesty rice vinegar, and just the right amount of heat from Sriracha Salt create a dressing that’s downright addictive. Topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro, this dish is the ideal blend of refreshing, savory, and spicy. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this salad is sure to impress—with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Paired with Sriracha Salt

Ingredients

  • 2 English cucumbers

  • ½ tsp. salt

  • 3 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter

  • 1 tsp. sesame oil

  • 2 Tbsp. tamari or low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp. hot honey or regular honey

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Topping Ingredients

Directions

  1. Slice the cucumbers using a mandoline, then sprinkle with salt, toss gently, and let them sit to drain excess moisture.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sesame oil, tamari, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until smooth.

  3. Roughly chop the roasted peanuts and cilantro until they reach a sprinkle-friendly consistency.

  4. Add the cucumber pieces to the dressing and toss well to coat.

  5. Transfer half of the dressed cucumbers to a serving bowl and sprinkle with half of the peanut-cilantro topping. Repeat with the remaining salad and toppings. Finally add the Sriracha Salt to finish. 

  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 8 hours before serving for an even deeper flavor.

Light, crunchy, and full of bold flavors—this dish brings a little heat and a lot of joy to your table.