Description
A refreshing and spicy Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad combining crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing of chili oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and optional fresh herbs for garnish. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
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 Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a large bowl. If the cucumbers are very watery, sprinkle lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make 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 the mixture is well combined.
- Dress Cucumbers: Drizzle the dressing over the cucumber slices and gently toss to evenly coat all the pieces with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Peanuts: Sprinkle the roughly chopped roasted peanuts over the salad, then toss gently again to distribute the crunch and flavor throughout the salad.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh cilantro or green onions if using, and serve immediately for the freshest taste. Alternatively, refrigerate the salad for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Adjust chili oil quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Lightly salting the cucumbers before dressing helps prevent a soggy salad by drawing out excess water.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be chilled for a short time to enhance flavor melding.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
