Name: Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped; 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; Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish, optional)

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If you’ve been craving something fresh, flavorful, and with just the right amount of heat, this Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad is calling your name! Imagine cool, crisp cucumber slices drenched in a savory, spicy dressing made with rich peanut butter and a kick of chili oil. This salad is like a burst of flavor in every bite, with the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and spice. It’s the kind of side dish that leaves everyone asking for the recipe, trust me.

Why You’ll Love Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad

Refreshing Yet Bold

This salad strikes a perfect balance between refreshing and bold. The cool crunch of cucumbers is a dream on a warm day, and the peanut and chili oil dressing adds a flavorful punch that’s irresistibly good. It’s spicy but not overwhelming, creamy yet light. Simply put, it’s perfection in a bowl.

Quick & Easy to Make

No need for complicated steps or special equipment—this salad comes together in just a few minutes. It’s one of those “chop, toss, and serve” dishes that looks impressive but is so simple to make.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or a potluck with friends, this salad is always a hit. It’s vibrant, easy to serve, and goes perfectly with everything from grilled meats to veggie dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Customizable Heat Level

Love a little spice? Add more chili oil or even some fresh chili slices. If you prefer a milder version, you can tone down the chili oil and still have a deliciously creamy and nutty salad. This dish is totally adaptable to your taste!

Vegan & Gluten-Free

For those with dietary restrictions, this salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, so everyone at the table can enjoy it without any worries.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this showstopper of a salad:

For the Salad:

Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp, and cool—cucumbers are the star of the show, adding that satisfying crunch.
Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add a lovely sweetness and color contrast to the cucumbers.

Peanuts: Chopped, roasted peanuts bring a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of herbal freshness to the salad, balancing out the richness of the dressing.

For the Dressing:

Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter is the creamy base of the dressing and adds a rich, nutty flavor.

Chili Oil: This is the ingredient that gives the dressing its spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Soy Sauce: For a salty, umami kick that brings all the flavors together.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar adds a tangy zing that complements the richness of the peanut butter and the heat from the chili oil.

Garlic: Minced garlic brings a depth of flavor that balances the other ingredients.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A little sweetness to balance the spice and acidity in the dressing.
Sesame Oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty element that enhances the flavor profile of the dressing.

Salt & Pepper: To taste, for the perfect seasoning balance.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 160
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 420mg

Potassium: 350mg
Calcium: 3% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Vitamin A: 60% DV
Vitamin C: 12% DV

This salad is full of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins—perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or snack!

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Instructions

Ready to make this irresistible salad? Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Veggies

Start by washing and peeling the cucumbers. Slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Peel and slice the carrots into thin matchsticks or rounds. Place the cucumbers and carrots in a large bowl.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and carrots and toss gently to coat all the veggies in that delicious peanut-chili goodness. Be sure everything is evenly dressed.

Garnish & Serve

Top the salad with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for that final burst of crunch and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors!

How to Serve Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad

This salad is versatile enough to pair with just about anything, from grilled meats to Asian-inspired dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Chicken or Fish

Pair this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light and refreshing meal. The heat from the chili oil in the dressing complements the savory flavor of grilled proteins perfectly.

Rice or Noodles

Serve this salad as a side to a bowl of steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying, full meal. You can even toss the salad with some cold soba noodles for a refreshing noodle salad.

Wraps or Sandwiches

This salad is a great accompaniment to wraps or sandwiches, adding crunch and a little heat to the meal. It would be delicious with a veggie wrap or even a grilled chicken sandwich.

As a Snack or Appetizer

Serve this salad as an appetizer or a healthy snack on its own. The combination of flavors is addictive, and it’s the perfect light dish to nibble on any time of day.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Heat

If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili oil or toss in some chopped fresh chilies. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, you can use a milder chili oil or reduce the amount.

Make it Creamier

For an even creamier dressing, you can mix in a spoonful of coconut milk or a bit more peanut butter.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to add more vegetables to this salad, like bell peppers, red onions, or even sliced radishes for extra crunch and flavor.

Make Ahead

This salad is best served fresh, but you can prep the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just toss it with the veggies right before serving for the best results.

Vegan Option

This salad is naturally vegan, but if you want to make it even more so, skip the honey and use maple syrup or agave instead.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. Toss everything together just before serving.

Q2: How can I make the salad spicier?
A2: Add more chili oil or fresh chili slices to the salad. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top for extra heat!

Q3: Can I use other nut butters in this recipe?
A3: Yes! If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can use almond butter or cashew butter instead for a different flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the cucumbers may lose their crunch, so it’s best eaten fresh.

Q5: Can I add protein to this salad?
A5: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great additions to make this salad more filling.

Q6: How can I make this salad more tangy?
A6: Add a little more rice vinegar or squeeze some extra lime juice over the top just before serving for an added tangy kick.

Q7: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A7: While smooth peanut butter works best for the dressing, crunchy peanut butter can add extra texture and is still delicious in the recipe.

Q8: Can I use sesame oil in place of chili oil?
A8: Sesame oil won’t give you the same heat, but it will add a nice nutty flavor. If you want to stick to the original recipe’s spiciness, chili oil is key.

Q9: How can I make this salad less oily?
A9: You can reduce the amount of oil in the dressing and balance it out with a little more rice vinegar for acidity.

Q10: Is this salad gluten-free?
A10: Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free. There are many gluten-free soy sauce options available.

Conclusion

This Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad is an absolute winner when you want something quick, flavorful, and fresh. The combination of crunchy veggies, creamy peanut dressing, and spicy chili oil is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a snack, or a light meal, this salad is sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Enjoy every bite!

Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad