Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce
	
	
		A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring crisp English cucumbers tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce with a delightful crunch of toasted peanuts and fresh parsley. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish with a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour draining time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook, Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
 
	
		
		
			Cucumbers
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced about 1/3-inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peanut Sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat evenly. Transfer them to a colander and let them drain for one hour to remove excess moisture, which keeps the salad crisp.
- Make Peanut Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, dried red chili flakes, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy, spicy peanut dressing.
- Combine Salad: After cucumbers have drained, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the toasted chopped peanuts, freshly chopped parsley, and pour the prepared peanut sauce over everything. Toss well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce and garnishes.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately at room temperature to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors. If preparing in advance, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Before serving, bring to room temperature and toss again to refresh the texture and taste.
 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Adjust the red chili flakes to control the level of spiciness according to personal preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- The cucumbers need to drain well after salting to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light appetizer.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; best enjoyed fresh.
 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
 
	
		Keywords: cucumber salad, spicy peanut sauce, easy appetizer, Asian salad, peanut dressing, healthy side dish, vegetarian recipe