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Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad

25 min

Snack

Salad

Side

10 ingredients or less

No cook

This salad is inspired by the classic Pai Huang Gua, it brings together crunchy cucumbers, roasted peanuts, and spicy chili oil. It's a lively and texturally pleasing salad, perfect as a zingy appetizer or a flavourful side dish.

Servings

Total

25 min

Prep

15 min

Rest

10 min

Contains

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Swap out

Gluten symbol

gluten

Free from

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Ingredients

Salad base

  • 9
    mini cucumbers, cut into wedges
  • ¼ cup (4 g)
    fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup (36 g)
    roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp (9 g)
    toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Dressing

Topping

  • 1 Tbsp (15 g)
    crispy chili oil, plus more to taste

Directions

  1. Prep the cucumber, cilantro, and peanuts. Transfer to a bowl along with the sesame seeds.
  2. Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small bowl and mix.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss*. Let sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavours to infuse and for the cucumber to soften slightly .
  4. Taste test and adjust the seasoning as desired. Plate, drizzle over the chili oil, and garnish with more cilantro, peanuts, and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • * Add more water if a thinner consistency is desired. Note, though, that the cucumber will release some liquid as it sits in the dressing.

Storage

  • Best on the day it's made, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Let us know what you think

Watch it step-by-step!

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

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Jona Calibuso - Oct. 4, 2024, 4:02 a.m.

I will try this, Sadia! Thank you for this and for existing! May GOD bless you more!
Love, all the way from the Philippines!


Valerie Paquin - Sept. 26, 2024, 2:58 p.m.

Wow that’s all I got to say


Ingrid - Sept. 6, 2024, 4:58 p.m.

Still lovin it and so does my 11 year old son whose edible veggie list is short and mundane. Cucumbmer's back!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 8, 2024, 4:54 a.m.

Yayy so glad that the cucumber salad recipe is being enjoyed, Ingrid 🫶✨


Ida - Aug. 27, 2024, 9:10 p.m.

Amazing


LL - Aug. 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m.

This was a hit with my family. Due to a peanut allergy, I substituted cashews in place of the peanuts. It was still outstanding. It's fresh and savory and it was a wonderful accompaniment to a stir-fry. What a great way to eat up the abundance of cucumbers coming out of our garden. I can see me adding these to a rice bowl recipe for added flavor and crunch.


Reid Wegrecki - Aug. 7, 2024, 3:49 a.m.

Another outstanding dish!


Claudia St. - Aug. 4, 2024, 7:29 p.m.

It‘s delicious! I use fresh garlic instead of the power and I add freshly grated ginger. My family loves it <3


pk - Aug. 1, 2024, 4:44 a.m.

love it, so yummy and refreshing, definitely a keeper, thank you


Carina O'Halloran - July 29, 2024, 9:47 p.m.

Love it


Miriam - July 28, 2024, 3:30 a.m.

Love it!!! It’s sweet and at the same time spicy… didn’t except it to be so yummy & it is! Definitely try it! ✨


D. G. - July 22, 2024, 6:03 a.m.

It was a hit with my family 😋 Served it on a bed of greens, and added some grilled chicken to the salad !


Bert - July 20, 2024, 11:46 p.m.

This side dish was so good, I lost all interest in the main course 😅


Alex Martell - July 15, 2024, 5:44 p.m.

Made this for lunch today with a couple of slices of smoked salmon and some pickled coleslaw. It was absolutely delicious! My husband just thought I was serving up a boring cucumber salad and boy was he surprised! He loved it too! So light and refreshing. Oh I forgot I also added some thinly sliced radishes.
Will definitely be making again!


Geetanjali Arora - July 15, 2024, 4:34 a.m.

Wonderfully crunchy,when had fresh.
A salad lover will find this a pleasant change...and a non-lover will begin to love salads.


Tina - July 12, 2024, 5:59 p.m.

I added lime zest and some green peas for some sweetness.


Sam - July 12, 2024, 4:43 a.m.

Damn, such a quick and simple recipe, yet bursting with flavour! I'm glad I made a large batch of this, so I can snack on them for hte next couple of days :D


Leigh - July 6, 2024, 12:03 a.m.

In love with this recipe! I tweaked a bit as far as using cashew or almond butter because that’s what I have on hand and seasonings and used some seasoned vinegar too. I eat it for breakfast and dinner!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 6, 2024, 6:40 p.m.

So happy to hear that the salad was enjoyed with the modifications, Leigh 🤗


SRB - July 1, 2024, 6:58 p.m.

I love the freshness combined with peanut sauce and a touch of heat from the chili oil.

It was Outstanding


Kim Tee - May 12, 2024, 9:43 a.m.

I needed an accompaniment to Kung Pao chickpeas, and this was perfect!


Nitya - May 10, 2024, 8:43 p.m.

WOWZA.
My new FAV way to eat those cucumbers. Gado gado was my 1st introduction to adding peanut butter to salads! but, I always hated the cucumbers in it. I realize now, that the one and only way to eat them has to be coated in nut butter! I highly recommend adding some siracha for more heat (or sambal/ chili flakes etc.) It is a perfect side dish, or make some rice paper wraps with it for a complete meal

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 10, 2024, 9:48 p.m.

Woop woop! So happy to hear you enjoyed the cucumber salad, Nitya, thanks for the glowing review ☺️


Amina Zahid - May 2, 2024, 8:03 p.m.

Thank you for this easy and yummy recipe. I love the taste and crunch. But I don’t know how to stop the peanut butter from sticking to itself and actually leather the salad.

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 3, 2024, 12:29 a.m.

Hi Amina, to make the peanut butter dressing smoother and easier to mix, warming it slightly so it's more runny before combining it with the other ingredients could work. Also adding a little more water or lime juice can also help loosen it up 😊


Ingrid Rebane - April 23, 2024, 7:54 p.m.

My whole food-pricky family fell in love with this salad, immediately! Even thanked me for bringing this recipe home. And I thank you, PUL team!

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 24, 2024, 7:58 p.m.

Gosh we're so happy to hear this, Ingrid! Now we would love to thank YOU 😊


Emily - April 1, 2024, 1:43 a.m.

Perfection. My new go-to for potlucks.


Mylee - March 26, 2024, 1:09 a.m.

Fun way to eat cucumbers!


Beatriz Garcia - March 5, 2024, 3:33 p.m.

This one was suuuuch a good one!


Kristi - Feb. 27, 2024, 4:23 a.m.

I asked my husband to rate this out of 5. He initially told me he didn’t want to rate it. Let me preface, my husband HATES cucumbers. When I pressed him he explained that he didn’t want to rate this recipe because he was worried I’d get the wrong idea about his feelings for cucumbers. He gave it a 5/5! He absolutely loved it, our 14 month old loved it and so did I. I will say, in our family, we need to portion the chili crunch individually to accommodate our different spice preferences, but overall this recipe is a winner!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 27, 2024, 10:47 p.m.

How fantastic, Kristi! It's wonderful to hear that the dish was such a hit, especially considering your husband's aversion to cucumbers. It's a lovely idea to add the dressing separately to cater to different spice preferences 😊


Pricilla - Feb. 20, 2024, 11:35 p.m.

So many flavors mixed with crunch and spice. Very delicious 👌🏼


Fiona - Feb. 14, 2024, 3:41 p.m.

Wow, absolutely delicious and super easy to make.


Ioana - Feb. 4, 2024, 5:22 p.m.

Wow, so yummy! I usually find cucumbers boring, but this is awesome.


Nikisha Budhai - Feb. 3, 2024, 5:33 a.m.

I've made this recipe a number of times and it's such a hit with family and friends, when gathered around a bbq.


AC - Jan. 15, 2024, 12:46 p.m.

This was excellent! The sauce is amazing. Was wiped clean.


Janelle - Jan. 15, 2024, 9:23 a.m.

Made this for lunch today on a hot day in Adelaide and it hit the spot. Fresh, flavoursome and healthy. Thank you for an easy but nutritious recipe.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 15, 2024, 7:10 p.m.

So glad that the Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad was enjoyed, Janelle, thank you!


clara - Jan. 8, 2024, 10:54 a.m.

this was incredible!!! so easy and so flavourful 🤩 I will for sure be making this again (I paired it with the rice paper dumplings it was amazing)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 9, 2024, 7:34 a.m.

Woohoo! So thrilled that the Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad was enjoyed, Clara. Dumplings are a delicious pairing idea 🙌


Tonya Elizabeth - Jan. 3, 2024, 1:29 a.m.

This is sooo good, Sadia! Thank you!

Saving this one for quick & fresh lunches or when hosting, but short on time.


Shavonne Hart - Dec. 20, 2023, 9:10 p.m.

So flavorful,my hole family loved it will make over and over.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 21, 2023, 7:12 p.m.

A big compliment when the whole family enjoys a recipe! Thanks, Shavonne ☺️


Maria Constantinescu - Dec. 20, 2023, 5:52 p.m.

Yes, just absolutely yes! Made this and ate it in 5 min - will definitely do it again.


Swati Vetri Kumar - Dec. 7, 2023, 3:26 p.m.

Yum! Yum!
Really a quick and tasty salad.
Made for a group of people, it went well with indian starters and drinks.
Will make it again for sure


Akhila Krishnan - Dec. 6, 2023, 10:52 p.m.

Loved it! Who knew cucumbers could be made this tasty!


Karen - Dec. 5, 2023, 4:51 a.m.

I don’t remember when I came across that catchy title. Pick up limes!! Maybe 7 years ago when I returned from Abu Dhabi. I was living and teaching there. I love food! I love food from other cultures! I love cooking and especially eating.
I started following your shows and recipes and reading up behind the scenes on you etc- life happened- change of job but still teaching in Ny now where I’m from .
I’m all caught up! Congratulations! Welcome to auntie world! Ure beautiful talented and every recipe is amazing.
Making this tomorrow !!
Invite me/ I’d love to be a guest, co-host and taster 😋

Xx Karen gist

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 6, 2023, 2:04 a.m.

Aww it sounds like you may have been here right from the start, Karen 🥰 we're so grateful that our paths crossed and a very warm welcome back to the PUL community! We hope you've been doing well and enjoy the Peanut & Chili Oil Cucumber Salad 🤗


李岱珺 - Dec. 5, 2023, 3:44 a.m.

I'm so glad you made this cucumber salad. It's really a popular dish for Chinese people!


CB - Dec. 4, 2023, 9:52 p.m.

Delicious! (And and I don’t even love cucumbers that much.)

One warning: it is far better freshly prepared. Don’t try and meal prep with this one unless you enjoy soggy cucumbers! : )


Jaya - Dec. 3, 2023, 4:34 a.m.

Very fresh. Added sriracha to the dressing


Genevieve - Dec. 1, 2023, 6:52 p.m.

Amazing salad! Super crunchy! 🥜It’s the second time I’m making it. Super easy for a quick working from home lunch!
Warm hello from Montreal!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 2, 2023, 3:14 a.m.

Yayy we're so happy to hear, Genevieve! Sending all our love to Montreal 💛


José - Nov. 28, 2023, 5:25 p.m.

Hi! Where do you get the chili oil in the Netherlands? 😁🦩

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 29, 2023, 2:11 a.m.

Hey there, José, we get ours from our local Asian supermarket - the Amazing Oriental or the Amazing Sang Lee in Eindhoven 🤗


Bahar - Nov. 21, 2023, 3:48 p.m.

I think I actually like it! I was not having the habit of having salad, but I'm kinda enjoying it. Thanks for sharing. :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 21, 2023, 6:14 p.m.

We’re glad the cucumber salad is being enjoyed, Bahar! Thanks for sharing the review 🤩


katha - Nov. 14, 2023, 2:44 a.m.


Nikisha - Nov. 10, 2023, 6:06 a.m.

This was so refreshing and simple to make. I've told everyone i know about it. Whilst we are not a vegan household I quite enjoy your recipes and find it adaptable to any sort of diet (PS: i have even tricked my husband a couple of times- more specifically your ceaser salad dressing blew his mind). We had your cucumber salad with chicken wings and my parents in South africa have had it along with a cheese platter (as a side snack).

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 10, 2023, 4:08 p.m.

Thanks for sharing the recipe, Nikisha, the kind words and support mean a lot! 😊


Lisa - Nov. 9, 2023, 3:33 a.m.

I made this today. It was soooo good. I had regular english cucumbers that were on its way out so i made this and hubby and i devoured it. I topped the salad with additional cilantro, roasted peanuts, sesames and homemade chili oil. Didnt have lime so i used lemon. Do not leave the chili oil out! It elevated this already great salad to another level. Thanks PUL.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 9, 2023, 9:37 a.m.

So glad you both enjoyed it Lisa! 🫶


Carla Poot - Nov. 3, 2023, 7:24 p.m.

So simple and yet soooo delicious! This will become a regular salad here. Absolutely perfect!


Jshah - Nov. 3, 2023, 7:17 p.m.

Absolutely in love with the recipes. Makes my life so much easier. Thank you


Leo - Nov. 1, 2023, 2:14 p.m.

I literally can't get enough of this!!!! So glad my partner already ate, so I can have his portion, too :D

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 1, 2023, 7:13 p.m.

Whoop whoop!! So glad it was a hit, Leo! 🙌


Caitlin - Oct. 31, 2023, 3:06 a.m.

Yum! Love the crunch of the cucumber with the creaminess of the dressing. Will make again.


Cade - Oct. 30, 2023, 6:40 p.m.

WOW this was incredible! Completely devoured it! Used crushed garlic instead of the powder. Will be making it again!


Franziska - Oct. 30, 2023, 6:23 p.m.

Dear PUL team, this looks very delicious and I’d love to try the recipe. If I can’t find the mini cucumbers, how many regular cucumbers could I use instead? Also, a recipe or alternative for a quick home-made crispy chili oil would be handy, as I don’t want to extra buy one just for this recipe (chances are it gets rancid before I can finish it). Thank you for all your inspiring recipes. Take care.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 30, 2023, 7:10 p.m.

Hey Franziska, if I had to guess I'd say around 1.5 to 2 English cucumbers would be suitable to use instead. We'll also make a note to make a homemade Chili Oil one day, thanks so much for the request! I hope you love the cucumber salad if you're able to give it a try 🤗