Spicy Peanut Cucumber Toss | YumAndJoy

Spicy Peanut Cucumber Toss

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spicy peanut cucumber toss is a refreshing, flavor-packed dish with the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creaminess. Juicy cucumber slices are tossed in a bold, nutty peanut sauce, then finished with toasted peanuts and chili flakes for a satisfying kick. It’s an easy, gluten-free snack or appetizer that’s perfect for warm days, meal prepping, or serving alongside your favorite Asian-inspired meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad

  • Cucumbers (thinly sliced)
  • Green onions (chopped)
  • Toasted peanuts (chopped)
  • Red pepper flakes or chili oil
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Peanut Dressing

  • Peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
  • Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Rice vinegar
  • Lime juice
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ginger (grated)
  • Sesame oil
  • Water (to thin the sauce, as needed)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
  2. Slice the Cucumbers: Thinly slice cucumbers and place them in a mixing bowl.
  3. Toss Everything Together: Drizzle the peanut dressing over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, red pepper flakes, and green onions. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Crunch: Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers.
  • Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Spicy Kick: Add extra chili oil or a dash of sriracha.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best crunch, toss the cucumbers with the dressing just before serving.

What’s the best cucumber to use?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best because they have thin skins and fewer seeds.

Can I make this dressing in advance?

Yes! Store the peanut dressing in the fridge for up to a week.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey.

What other nuts can I use?

Cashews or almonds work well if you don’t have peanuts.

How do I make it even more refreshing?

Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a cooling effect.

Can I serve this as a side dish?

Yes! It pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or noodle bowls.

How do I prevent watery cucumbers?

Lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes before draining excess liquid.

Can I make this without soy sauce?

Yes! Coconut aminos or tamari are great gluten-free alternatives.

What’s the best way to toast peanuts?

Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Conclusion

This spicy peanut cucumber toss is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings together crunch, spice, and creamy nuttiness in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a light snack, appetizer, or side dish, it’s a refreshing way to add bold flavors to your meal. Try different variations, adjust the spice level to your liking, and enjoy this vibrant and delicious recipe!

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Spicy Peanut Cucumber Toss

Spicy Peanut Cucumber Toss


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Spicy Peanut Cucumber Toss is a refreshing and bold-flavored dish featuring crisp cucumber slices coated in a tangy, nutty peanut sauce. Topped with chili flakes and toasted peanuts, this quick and gluten-free appetizer is perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite Asian-inspired meals!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced or julienned
  • 1/4 cup toasted peanuts, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Spicy Peanut Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 12 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  2. Toss the Cucumbers: In a large bowl, toss cucumber slices with the peanut dressing until evenly coated.
  3. Add Toppings: Sprinkle with toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, green onions, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Chill & Serve: Let sit for 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use English or Persian cucumbers for extra crunch.
  • Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers for more texture.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that cucumbers may release moisture over time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
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