Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing Recipe

If you’re hunting for something vibrantly fresh, outrageously satisfying, and layered with bold flavors, this Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is about to become your new obsession. Crisp cucumber slices are bathed in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that’s zippy with sriracha, sweetened just enough by maple syrup, and rounded by aromatic sesame. Crunchy peanuts and a confetti shower of sesame seeds deliver delightful contrast, transforming a humble salad into a show-stopping side or light lunch that’s always a hit with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a beautiful simplicity behind this salad, but don’t be fooled—each ingredient has a role in making Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing irresistibly craveable. From its bright green freshness to the pop of nutty crunch, every addition brings something important to the table.

• English cucumbers: The heart of this salad; their thin skin and mild flavor work perfectly for soaking up the peanut dressing.
• Peanuts (chopped): Add a salty crunch that plays beautifully against the creamy richness of the dressing.
• White sesame seeds: Deliver toasty flavor and visual appeal, both inside and as a finishing touch.
• Green onion: Offers a gentle bite of sharpness, lifting up every fresh, crunchy bite.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A little sprinkle here brings extra heat for those who love a kick.
• Creamy peanut butter: The superstar base of our dressing, adding creaminess and depth.
• Maple syrup: A dash of natural sweetness that balances the spicy and savory notes.
• Water: Lets you adjust the thickness of the dressing to your liking for perfect coating power.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Lends a balanced savory (umami) foundation without overwhelming saltiness.
• Sriracha: Gives our peanut dressing that signature, lip-tingling spice.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens up the flavors and keeps the salad refreshing.
• Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon brings a whole world of toasty, nutty aroma to the dressing.

How to Make Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Peanut Dressing

This is where the magic begins! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, sriracha, maple syrup, low sodium soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency—add a splash more water if you love a lighter drizzle that hugs every cucumber slice.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers and Chop the Garnishes

Grab those English cucumbers and slice them thinly—about one-eighth inch is perfect. The thinner they are, the easier they’ll soak up all that wonderful dressing. Chop your green onions small for the prettiest, most flavorful topping.

Step 3: Layer Everything in a Jar

Time for assembly! Spread some of the spicy peanut dressing in the bottom of a jar. Add the cucumber slices, then pour in the rest of the dressing. Sprinkle in the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds. Seal the jar and give it a really good shake to ensure every slice is coated in spicy-sweet, nutty flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Finish with Garnishes

Pour your dressed salad onto a beautiful serving plate or bowl. Top with green onion, another pinch of sesame seeds, and, if you dare, red pepper flakes for extra heat and sparkle. Serve and listen for the happy crunch!

How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Garnishes

The finishing touches are where this salad really pops! A generous sprinkle of extra sesame seeds, a flourish of green onions, and (if you’re feeling adventurous) a light shower of red pepper flakes not only beautify your Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing but further enhance every flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad is wildly versatile. Serve it next to a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, pair it with grilled chicken, or put it beside veggie dumplings for an unforgettable spread. Its balanced flavors make it a knockout with almost any Asian-inspired main dish, brightening your table and palate every time.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Try serving Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing in individual jars for an adorable lunchbox or picnic centerpiece. For parties, spoon it onto crisp lettuce cups or tuck it inside rice paper rolls alongside fresh herbs for handheld bites with serious wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The cucumbers will soften a bit, but the flavor only deepens, making Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing even more addictive on day two. Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Sadly, freezing isn’t a friend to this salad. The cucumbers lose their satisfying crunch and the dressing can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days for peak texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want to bring back a bit of freshness, add a few new cucumber slices and toss with extra dressing right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Just be sure to peel them if the skins are thick, and scoop out the seeds if they’re watery. English cucumbers are just a bit more tender and perfect for salads, but regular cukes work well in a pinch.

How spicy is the dressing?

The sriracha gives a noticeable kick, but it’s easily adjustable. If you prefer less heat, start with half the amount and taste as you go. Want more fire? Add extra sriracha or a few more red pepper flakes just before serving!

Is there a way to make this salad nut-free?

Definitely! Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts. The flavor will shift slightly, but you’ll still get a fantastically creamy, crunchy result.

Can I meal prep this salad for lunches?

Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is excellent for meal prep. Layer the components in jars (keeping peanuts on top to stay crunchy) and store in the fridge. Just shake and serve when hunger strikes—no sad desk lunch here!

What’s the best way to thin the dressing if it’s too thick?

You have full control! Simply add a teaspoon of water at a time, stirring well after each addition, until it’s perfectly pourable and ready to drape over your cucumbers just the way you like it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, punchy, and utterly satisfying salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to share, give this Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing a try. I think you’ll fall for the playful textures and bold, nutty flavor just as much as I have—don’t forget to shake up a jar and let the flavors work their magic!

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