Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce for a Zesty Refreshing Bite Recipe
A zesty and refreshing cucumber salad tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that offers a delightful crunch and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors. Ideal as a light appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2–3 pieces English Cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1/4–1/3 cup Peanuts, chopped
- 2 teaspoons White Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 2–3 tablespoons Green Onions, chopped
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Peanut Sauce Dressing
- 1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 1.5–2 tablespoons Water (to adjust dressing thickness)
- 1 tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 2 teaspoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and pat dry 2 to 3 English cucumbers. Thinly slice them into rounds or half-moons, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
- Add crunchy elements: Chop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of peanuts and 2 to 3 tablespoons of green onions. Add them to the cucumbers along with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Toss gently to combine.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce. Gradually stir in 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of water to reach your preferred dressing consistency. Mix in 1 tablespoon sriracha, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss gently to ensure all cucumber slices are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle extra white sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or chill for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and crisp texture, but regular cucumbers can be used if peeled.
- Peanuts add crunch but can be omitted or replaced with other nuts or seeds for allergy considerations.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Chilling the salad for 10-15 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Keywords: cucumber salad, peanut sauce, spicy peanut dressing, Asian cucumber salad, vegetarian salad, refreshing appetizer
