Dive into a delightful culinary journey under the tropical sun and experience the celebration of vibrant crunch and unique flavors with our Asian Cucumber and Peanut Salad. This nourishing recipe calls for the freshest of garden picks and hints of the Far East — marrying crisp cucumbers, toasted peanuts, and zingy sauces into an exotic delight. So, let’s put on our cooking aprons and transport our kitchens to the heart of Asia with this refreshing masterpiece, loaded with nutritional goodness.
Ingredients List
Gather the following to whip up this exhilarating salad:
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- For dressing:
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Start by slicing your English cucumbers into thin rounds. The crunchy cucumber serves as a cool counterpoint to the fiery dressing, making your salad a symphony of contrasts.
Moving on to the red bell peppers, slice them thinly for a pop of color and tang.
Bring together cucumbers, bell peppers, cilantro, and roasted peanuts in a large bowl, mixing them well.
Now, let’s stir up the magic potion — the tangy dressing. In a separate bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, oil, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and salt.
Pour the dressing over your salad, ensuring every piece gets its fair share of the flavor fest. Toss well until all ingredients are coated.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tossed salad to lend that extra crunch and nutty aroma.
Voila, your Asian Cucumber and Peanut Salad is ready to be relished!
Cooking Time & Servings
This quick and healthy salad does not demand much of your time. From kitchen to table, it takes merely 15-20 minutes, serving 4 scintillating portions.
Nutritional Information
The Asian Cucumber and Peanut Salad is a treasure trove of health benefits. It’s not just about tantalizing taste buds; this salad is a harmonious fusion of wellness and flavor. Indubitably, this perky dish boasts various macro and micronutrients:
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- CoQ10: 0.7mg
The cucumbers provide ample hydration, while the peanuts pack a punch of protein. Moreover, the myriad of spices and sauces bring in their unique health benefits, tucking in antioxidants and CoQ10.
Tips and Tricks
- English cucumbers work best for this salad due to their thin skin and fewer seeds. However, if not available, regular cucumbers can be used – just remember to peel them first.
- If you wish for a spicier experience, consider adding a finely chopped jalapeno to the mix.
- Store this salad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving for an intense amalgamation of flavors.
As we bring this culinary journey to a close, remember that…
Every bite of this Asian Cucumber and Peanut Salad promises an exhilarating explosion of taste and health. We would love to hear your experience cooking this refreshing dish. Feel free to share your culinary adventures with us and don’t hesitate to get creative!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
- Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other crunchy veggies like carrots, radishes, or even some shredded cabbage.
2. I have a peanut allergy. What can I use instead?
- You can substitute the peanuts with almonds or cashews, or even remove the nuts altogether.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes! The flavors meld beautifully over time. Just hold off on adding the peanuts until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
4. Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
- While rice vinegar adds a distinct Asian touch, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar effect.
5. How can I store any leftovers?
- You can conveniently store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir well before serving again.
