Description
This Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad is a perfect balance of fresh, crunchy cucumbers and the rich, spicy heat of chili oil, complemented by the nutty flavor of peanuts. Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, it makes a great appetizer or side dish to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a large bowl. If the cucumbers are very watery, you can lightly salt them and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Make the 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 well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat.
- Add the Peanuts: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the salad and toss again.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve immediately. This salad can also be refrigerated for up to 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili oil and replace it with a little extra sesame oil.
- For added crunch, consider adding some toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried shallots.
- To make this dish vegan, ensure the soy sauce or tamari is used instead of any non-vegan sauces.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, Asian-inspired dishes, or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack.
- If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small sliced chili pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0g