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Fresh Thai Peanut Cucumber Noodle Salad Easy Recipe with Sesame Dressing

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A crisp, nutty, and refreshingly bright Thai-inspired salad featuring cucumber noodles and a creamy peanut sesame dressing, perfect for warm weather and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (spiralized or julienned for noodles)
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and spiralized or julienned
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no added sugar preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using a spiralizer, create long, thin cucumber noodles. If using a julienne peeler, carefully peel thin strips. Place the noodles in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Peel and spiralize or julienne the carrot. Add to the cucumber noodles after draining.
  3. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk together until smooth. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable but creamy consistency.
  4. Transfer drained cucumber and carrot noodles to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.
  5. Pour the peanut sesame dressing over the noodles. Using tongs or two large forks, gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or lime juice if needed.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts on top for texture contrast.
  7. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes before serving. Toss again before serving if chilled.

Notes

Drain cucumber noodles well to avoid sogginess. Adjust dressing thickness with warm water. Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. Toast sesame seeds for enhanced nuttiness. For gluten-free, use tamari and maple syrup instead of soy sauce and honey. Add protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal. Serve immediately or chilled briefly for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai salad, peanut cucumber salad, cucumber noodles, sesame dressing, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegetarian, quick salad

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/fresh-thai-peanut-cucumber-noodle-salad-easy-recipe-with-sesame-dressing/