Cucumber Peanut Salad

$- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (optional) - Additional vegetables (e.g., carrots or radishes) - Fruits (e.g., oranges or mango) - Spices for extra flavor The key to a great cucumber peanut salad is its fresh and crunchy ingredients. You start with fresh cucumbers, which give a nice crispness. I love using large cucumbers and slicing them thin. The red bell pepper adds a sweet twist, while the red onion brings a bit of sharpness. Roasted peanuts are a must. They add a nutty taste and crunch. Fresh cilantro ties all these flavors together with its bright notes. For the dressing, I mix sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Honey or agave syrup balances the salty and tangy flavors. Grated ginger gives it a spicy kick, and sriracha can add more heat if you like. You can also add more veggies or fruits. Carrots add sweetness, while oranges or mango bring a juicy surprise. This salad is flexible. You can make it your own. You can find the full recipe to make this salad easily at home. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors! Start by prepping your veggies. Slice the cucumbers thinly. Next, dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. Then, take your red onion and slice it thinly. Now, chop the fresh cilantro and roughly chop the roasted peanuts. This will add a nice crunch to your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or agave syrup, and grated ginger. If you like some heat, add sriracha sauce to the mix. Take a large bowl and toss in your salad ingredients. Add the sliced cucumbers, diced bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, and roasted peanuts. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss it all together. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and meld together. Before serving, taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy this crunchy and flavorful delight! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make the best cucumber peanut salad, use fresh cucumbers. They will give you a crunchier texture. Look for ones that feel firm and have shiny skin. Also, wash and dry your herbs before chopping. This step helps them stay fresh and flavorful. For deeper flavor, consider marinating the salad longer. Letting it sit allows all the ingredients to blend well. Adjust the acidity by adding more vinegar if needed. A splash more can brighten the taste and make it pop. Serve the salad chilled for the best taste. It pairs well with grilled meats or barbecue. You can also add a sprinkle of extra peanuts or cilantro on top for a nice finish. This little touch makes your dish look even better. Enjoy this crunchy and flavorful delight! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily make this cucumber peanut salad vegan. Just swap honey for agave syrup. This keeps the sweetness without using animal products. Agave gives a nice touch to the dressing. If you need a nut-free salad, try replacing peanuts with sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds add a crunchy texture. They also give a nice, nutty flavor without the allergens. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great soy sauce alternative that is gluten-free. It adds the same umami taste to your dressing without the gluten. Feel free to explore these variations to suit your diet while enjoying the full recipe! Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. Make sure to seal it tightly. If you leave it open, it can get mushy. Always cool it down before storing. Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness. After that, the veggies may lose their crispness. If you notice any off smells or changes, it’s best to throw it out. Enjoy your salad while it’s at its peak! Not recommended to reheat; best enjoyed cold. Heating can make the vegetables soggy. This salad shines when it’s fresh and chilled. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for a crisp, refreshing taste. You can find the full recipe above to whip up a fresh batch anytime! Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If you make it ahead, store the dressing separately. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. Mixing everything right before serving keeps the veggies crunchy. You can use almonds, cashews, or seeds for a different flavor and texture. Each option brings its own crunch and taste. Almonds are mild, while cashews add creaminess. Seeds give a nice nutty flavor. Yes, it’s low in calories and packed with nutrients. Fresh veggies provide vitamins, while peanuts add healthy fats. This salad is a great choice for a light meal or side dish. It's filling without being heavy. Enjoy it guilt-free! This cucumber peanut salad is fresh, tasty, and simple to make. You start by prepping your main ingredients, then mix a flavorful dressing. Add optional veggies or fruits to make it your own. Remember, freshness matters for the best crunch. Enjoy this salad chilled, and it pairs well with grilled foods. It’s healthy, low in calories, and full of nutrients. Try different add-ins and enjoy your creative spin on a classic dish!$

Discover the refreshing Crunchy Cucumber Peanut Salad, perfect for a healthy meal or snack! This vibrant dish combines crisp cucumbers, roasted peanuts, and colorful veggies, all tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing. It's quick to prepare and packed with nutrients! Dive into our easy recipe and impress your friends and family with this delicious salad.

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Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, place the sliced cucumbers, diced red bell pepper, and red onion.

Add the chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts into the bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or agave syrup, grated ginger, and sriracha sauce if using.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until well combined.

Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in chilled bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of additional chopped peanuts and cilantro for a fresh look.