Cucumber Peanut Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that combines the crispness of cucumber with the crunch of roasted peanuts, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a zesty and nutty twist to your table.
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Ingredients
To make the perfect Cucumber Peanut Salad, you'll need these fresh and simple ingredients:
- Cucumber: A crisp and hydrating base for the salad.
- Red Onion: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor.
- Roasted Peanuts: For a crunchy, nutty texture.
- Cilantro: Brings freshness and a burst of herbal aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a hint of heat and spice.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy zest to tie the salad together.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavors.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cube the cucumber and finely chop the onion, and cilantro.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cucumber, red onion, roasted peanuts, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
- Season and Toss: Sprinkle in the salt, drizzle with lemon juice, and toss everything gently to combine.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh as a side dish or a light snack.
Tip
- Keep it Crunchy: Add the roasted peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Chill for Freshness: Refrigerate the cucumber and onion beforehand for a cooler, more refreshing salad.
- Adjust the Spice: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra citrusy kick, grate a little lemon zest into the salad.
Substitutions
Here are few suggestions:
- Cucumber: Use zucchini or finely diced celery for a similar crunch if cucumbers aren't available.
- Red Onion: Swap with shallots or spring onions for a milder flavor.
- Roasted Peanuts: Replace with toasted almonds or cashews for a different nutty twist.
- Cilantro: Use parsley or mint if cilantro isn't to your taste.
Variations
Get creative with your Cucumber Peanut Salad by trying these variations:
- Protein Boost: Add boiled chickpeas or cubed paneer for extra protein.
- Sweet and Tangy: Toss in some pomegranate seeds or grated carrots for a touch of sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chaat masala or a dash of cayenne pepper for bold, spicy flavors.
- Creamy Twist: Mix in a dollop of yogurt or a light drizzle of tahini for a creamy texture.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame seeds for an umami twist.
Equipment
You don't need much to whip up this simple salad:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients effortlessly.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the cucumber, onion, cilantro, and peanuts. You can also use mortar and pestle to crush peanuts.
- Spoon: To toss and mix the salad evenly.
Storage
Cucumber Peanut Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it briefly if needed:
- Refreshing Before Serving: If stored, give the salad a quick toss and add a splash of lemon juice before serving to freshen it up.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Peanuts Tip: To retain the crunch, add the roasted peanuts only before serving.
Top Tip
For the freshest and crunchiest salad, use cold cucumbers and onions straight from the refrigerator, and always add the roasted peanuts just before serving. A final squeeze of lemon juice right before serving enhances the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition
One serving of Cucumber Peanut Salad, which is 3, contains 76 calories with 4g of protein, 2g of fiber and 5g of carbs.
FAQ
Use fresh cucumbers, and if needed, lightly salt them and let them sit for a few minutes to release excess water. Drain before mixing into the salad.
Toasted almonds, cashews, or walnuts work great as alternatives, adding their unique crunch and flavor.
Yes! Add finely chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
This salad pairs wonderfully with Indian meals, especially alongside dals, curries, or flatbreads, but it's equally delightful as a standalone snack.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Cucumber Peanut Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large (280 g) Cucumber - cubed - about 250 g
- ¼ cup (40 g) Red Onion
- 3 tablespoon roasted peanuts - finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon cilantro
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine everything.
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