Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Thai cucumber salad tossed in a zesty lime dressing with a hint of heat and a perfect balance of sweet and sour. This thai-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes blends medium English cucumber, medium red onion, fresh cilantro leaves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice 2 medium English cucumbers into half-moons and finely slice 1/4 medium red onion; place them in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and add to the bowl along with the cucumbers and onions.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/4 tsp salt until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine, letting it marinate for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle 2 tbsp crushed peanuts over the salad for crunch and garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Thai Cucumber Salad with Spicy Lime Dressing?

Thai salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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