Name: Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 teaspoon white sugar (or to taste); 1 tablespoon chile-garlic sauce (such as Huy Fong Foods®); 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional); 2 medium cucumbers (halved lengthwise, seeds scraped out and thinly sliced); 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; 2 green onions chopped

Introduction to Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

If you’re a busy young professional juggling work, social life, and personal goals, making time for healthy eating can feel daunting. That’s where homemade salad becomes a game changer! This spicy cucumber and peanut salad is quick, vibrant, and full of flavor, making it the ideal meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes—or even prepare ahead for the week.

Salads don’t have to be boring or time-consuming. They can be packed with nutrients, easily customized, and serve as a refreshing choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, with this recipe featuring a delightful combination of crunchy cucumbers, zesty garlic, and rich, roasted peanuts, you'll never hear the words "lettuce and tomatoes" coming from your kitchen again! As you toss the ingredients together, you’ll not only nourish your body but also invigorate your palate.

And don't forget, preparing your salads at home often means you can ditch the preservatives found in store-bought options. Additionally, including fresh ingredients boosts your energy and mood, helping you power through your busy day. Ready to dive into the spicy cucumber and peanut salad that’s perfect for all your on-the-go meals? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

Fresh produce and pantry staples you’ll need

Creating your spicy cucumber and peanut salad starts with a blend of vibrant fresh ingredients and essential pantry items that elevate the flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 medium cucumbers – These crunchy gems are the star of the show!
4 cloves garlic – Minced for that aromatic base.
½ cup chopped peanuts – A nutty crunch that perfectly balances the heat.
2 green onions – Sliced for a zesty kick.
1 teaspoon vegetable oil – Essential for sautéing the garlic.
3 tablespoons white vinegar – Provides tanginess.
1 tablespoon chile-garlic sauce – The secret weapon in this recipe!
1 tablespoon fish sauce – A hint of umami to round it out.
1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste – To balance the flavors.
1 teaspoon ground coriander – Adds warmth and depth.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who dare to go extra spicy!

Optional ingredients for personalization

While the ingredients above create a wonderful base for your spicy cucumber and peanut salad, feel free to make it your own! Consider adding:

Rice noodles – For a heartier option, perfect as a main course.
Fresh herbs – Think cilantro or mint for added freshness.
Bell peppers – Diced for extra crunch and color.

These optional ingredients not only allow personalization but also can enhance the dish's nutritional profile. Experiment and find what works best for you! For more salad inspiration, check out sources like The Spruce Eats or BBC Good Food for more recipes and tips.

Preparing Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

Creating a Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad is not only straightforward but also incredibly rewarding. With its refreshing crunch and a hint of heat, this salad can easily become a staple in your meal rotation—perfect for work lunches or a light dinner. So, let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious dish!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients to streamline the process. Here’s what you need:

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce (like Huy Fong Foods®)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended for extra heat)
2 medium cucumbers (halved lengthwise, seeds scraped out, thinly sliced)
½ cup chopped peanuts
2 green onions, chopped

Having everything ready makes cooking more enjoyable—trust me!

Cook the Garlic for Maximum Flavor

Let’s talk about the garlic because it plays a pivotal role in this spicy cucumber and peanut salad. Heat the vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat, and then add the minced garlic. Cook and stir until it’s softened and lightly browned—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Removing it from the heat allows those lovely flavors to shine without burning.

Make the Zesty Dressing

While the garlic cools, it’s time to whip up the dressing. In a salad bowl, whisk together the white vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Then add in the chili-garlic sauce, fish sauce, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, and your cooled garlic. Whisk all these ingredients until well combined. The flavor profile here is immense, blending tang, sweetness, and that irresistible spicy kick! For more on dressing variations, check out this guide.

Combine the Ingredients

Next, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the sliced cucumbers, chopped peanuts, and green onions to the bowl with your dressing. Toss gently to ensure every cucumber slice is coated. It’s such a vibrant medley of colors and textures!

Let It Chill for Best Results

For optimal flavor development, cover your salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. If you can resist the urge, letting it sit overnight lets those flavors marry beautifully. When it’s time to eat, you’ll discover a refreshing crunch with a delightful kick—perfect as a standalone dish or as a side!

There you have it! Enjoy this spicy cucumber and peanut salad, and feel free to personalize it as you see fit. Adding rice noodles can make it heartier, so the possibilities are endless. Happy cooking!

Variations on Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

Adding Proteins: Grilled Chicken, Tofu, or Shrimp

For a heartier version of your spicy cucumber and peanut salad, consider adding some protein. Grilled chicken adds a savory depth, while tofu offers a satisfying plant-based option. If you prefer seafood, grilled shrimp could be a delightful addition, bringing a touch of the ocean to your dish. Simply slice or cube your protein of choice and toss it in before serving to enhance texture and flavor.

Incorporating Additional Veggies for Extra Crunch

To elevate your spicy cucumber and peanut salad, think about incorporating more veggies. Shredded carrots or diced bell peppers not only add vibrant color but also extra crunch. You might even toss in some radishes for a zesty kick! Experiment with whatever fresh produce you have on hand, as the crunch factor can really boost the overall enjoyment of your salad.

For more tips on boosting nutrition, check out Healthline’s guide on incorporating veggies.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

How to Cut Cucumbers for the Best Texture

For your spicy cucumber and peanut salad, the way you cut the cucumbers can truly elevate the dish. Start by halving the cucumbers lengthwise and scraping out the seeds gently with a spoon. This step prevents excess water from making your salad soggy. Then, slice them thinly at a diagonal for a lovely presentation and crunch. If you prefer a more substantial bite, chunkier pieces can work too—just be mindful of the dressing’s coating!

Balancing Flavors: Adjusting Spice and Acidity

Achieving the perfect balance in your spicy cucumber and peanut salad is a matter of taste. If you find the chili-garlic sauce too potent, consider reducing the amount or adding a touch more sugar to mellow it out. Enhancing acidity? A little extra vinegar can brighten the flavors. Always taste and tweak as you go; remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take away! For professional tips on balancing flavors, check out resources like Serious Eats.

Serving suggestions for Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

Pairing with mains: great as a side dish

This spicy cucumber and peanut salad makes an excellent side dish, complementing a variety of mains to elevate your meal. It harmonizes beautifully with dishes like grilled chicken or beef skewers, adding a fresh and vibrant crunch. Try serving it alongside teriyaki salmon or even spicy turkey burgers for a delightful balance of flavors. The coolness of the salad can also tone down spicy mains, creating a more harmonious dining experience.

Creative ways to serve it: in lettuce wraps or as a dip

For a fun twist, consider using the spicy cucumber and peanut salad as a filling for lettuce wraps. Just scoop a generous amount into crisp Romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a healthy, portable snack. Alternatively, you can serve it as a dip! Pair it with fresh veggie sticks or pita chips for a delightful appetizer that guests will love. It’s versatile enough to fit any occasion, from casual gatherings to fancy dinner parties. For more serving ideas, check out resources at Serious Eats or Food Network.

Time Breakdown for Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

Preparation Time

The preparation time for your spicy cucumber and peanut salad is a quick 15 minutes. This includes chopping your fresh cucumbers, mincing garlic, and combining the ingredients for the dressing. Who knew something this delicious could come together so fast?

Chilling Time

Once you’ve mixed everything, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling not only helps the flavors meld but also gives you time to let the spicy cucumber and peanut salad work its magic. If you can wait longer, overnight is even better!

Total Time

In total, you're looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes for this refreshing dish, allowing you enough time to focus on other things while it gets deliciously cold. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a backyard barbecue!

For those seeking to explore more about cucumber nutrition and its health benefits, visit Healthline to uncover the secrets behind this crunchy veggie.

Nutritional facts for Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

Calories and Fat Content

The Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad offers a satisfying balance of nutrition with approximately 155 calories per serving. It contains 11 grams of total fat, which includes 2 grams of saturated fat. This makes it a great option for a light yet flavorful meal or side dish.

Key Vitamins and Minerals

This refreshing salad is not just delicious; it’s packed with essential nutrients! Each serving provides about 7 mg of Vitamin C, benefiting your immune system. You'll also get 49 mg of Calcium and 1 mg of Iron to support bone health and energy levels. Rich in potassium at 374 mg, it helps regulate blood pressure too. For more details on the health benefits of these nutrients, check out Healthline's guide to essential vitamins and minerals.

Enjoy this crunchy, spicy delight knowing you’re fueling your body with what it needs!

FAQs about Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! The spicy cucumber and peanut salad benefits from resting in the fridge for at least an hour after mixing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance for gatherings. You can even make it the night before and let it chill. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving!

How do I customize the spice level?

Adjusting the spice level is super easy! If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of chile-garlic sauce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether. On the other hand, if you love a robust kick, feel free to add more sauce or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It’s all about personal preference!

What are the best storage practices for leftovers?

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days. Just a heads up: the longer it sits, the more the cucumbers will release moisture, which can affect the crunchiness. For more storage tips, check out this resource.

Conclusion on Spicy Cucumber and Peanut Salad

This spicy cucumber and peanut salad is a vibrant addition to your weekly meal prep. Its refreshing crunch, combined with heat and nutty flavors, makes it ideal for busy lunches or simple dinners. Embrace this easy recipe for a wholesome, delightful dish your taste buds will thank you for.

Why this salad deserves a spot in your weekly meal prep

The spicy cucumber and peanut salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here’s why it deserves to be a star on your meal prep menu:

Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip up this dish quickly. Perfect for those hectic weeknights!
Healthy and Light: Low in calories yet filling, this salad offers a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite proteins, like grilled chicken or tofu, or other veggies to make it your own.

By incorporating this salad into your routine, you're choosing a dish that’s tasty, satisfying, and ready to elevate any meal. For more healthy recipes, consider checking out resources like Healthline or EatingWell for creative meal ideas!