Name: Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon (15 g) peanut butter, sweetened or unsweetened; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon (15 g) chili crisp; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine vinegar, seasoned or unseasoned; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tamari, or soy sauce; 1 teaspoon grated fresh garlic; ¼ teaspoon flaky salt, or kosher salt; 1 pound (450 g) seedless cucumbers, sliced into ¼-½-inch thick rounds; 2 tablespoons (30 g) sesame seeds, or chopped roasted peanuts

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you are craving something fresh, crunchy, and packed with punchy flavors, this Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. Combining crisp cucumber rounds with a luscious sauce made of spicy chili crisp, creamy peanut butter, garlic, and a kick of soy and sesame, this salad is a perfect harmony of cool and heat, creamy and crunchy. It’s a quick, vibrant dish that’s not just a side but a centerpiece for any meal or snack moment, and it keeps wonderfully in the fridge for days, ready to brighten your day whenever you need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three round slices of bright green cucumber with visible seeds on the left side of the frame, placed on a white marbled surface. Next to them, there is a small white bowl filled with a thick, red sauce that has a chunky texture with visible small bits and specks of spices, placed slightly to the right and above the cucumber slices. Below this bowl, there is another small white bowl, this one holding pale beige sesame seeds with a smooth, small, oval shape, filling about half the bowl. The corner of a larger white bowl with a light brown rim is visible in the top right corner against the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting all these ingredients together is like gathering the dream team for your taste buds. Each one is simple but plays a crucial role in building the amazing flavor, mouthfeel, and inviting look of this salad.

Peanut butter: Choose sweetened or unsweetened, it brings that creamy, nutty base that balances the spice beautifully.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a rich, aromatic depth with its smoky, nutty notes.
Chili crisp: The secret star, delivering the spicy crunch and irresistible umami that makes this salad unforgettable.
Rice wine vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
Tamari or soy sauce: Introduces savory and salty elements that enhance all the other flavors.
Fresh grated garlic: Packs a punch of pungent freshness that invigorates the sauce.
Flaky or kosher salt: For seasoning to taste and amplifying natural flavors.
Seedless cucumbers: Crisp, cool, and hydrating, sliced perfectly to soak up the dressing without getting soggy.
Sesame seeds or roasted peanuts: These add a delightful final crunch and visual appeal to the salad.

How to Make Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce

Start by whisking together the peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, chili crisp, rice wine vinegar, tamari (or soy sauce), grated garlic, and salt until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. You can also combine everything in a jar with a lid and give it a good shake to blend all the flavors seamlessly. This sauce is where the magic begins, marrying creamy, spicy, salty, and tangy notes into one luscious dressing.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers

Grab those seedless cucumbers and slice them into ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds. The thickness is just right to offer that perfect crisp bite that holds up well to the rich sauce. Avoid slicing too thin to keep the texture delightful.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl, then drizzle your spicy peanut sauce generously over them. Gently toss everything together, making sure each cucumber piece is evenly coated with that flavorful sauce. This step ensures every bite bursts with taste and texture.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts over the top to add an extra layer of crunch and an appealing nutty aroma. This also makes the dish look irresistibly appetizing and adds contrast to the soft sauce-coated cucumbers.

How to Serve Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with several layers of thin cucumber slices coated in a thick, bright orange-red sauce with visible small chili flakes. The sauce is spread unevenly on the sides of the bowl, showing its sticky texture. A white spatula with a small amount of sauce rests inside the bowl, partially touching the cucumbers and the bowl’s edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the glossy sauce and fresh cucumber edges, creating a vibrant and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint leaves can be sprinkled on top to brighten the dish further and add a fresh, herbal note. A wedge of lime on the side also pairs beautifully, giving guests the option to add zesty acidity whenever they like.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think grilled chicken or tofu for protein, steamed rice for a comforting base, or even as a vibrant side to a noodle bowl. Because it is so flavorful and cooling, it’s a fantastic contrast to richer or spicier dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad layered in clear glasses for a pretty, layered look at a party. You can also scoop it onto crispy lettuce cups for a hand-held, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for gatherings. Or simply pile it on a large platter topped with extra peanuts and a drizzle of chili crisp for communal sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe actually benefits from a little time in the fridge, allowing the cucumbers to soak up even more of the delicious sauce. Store it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 1-2 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again.

Freezing

Because cucumbers are mostly water, freezing is not recommended as it will ruin the texture. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within the refrigerated storage window for the crispest bite and best flavor balance.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, just take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors mingle even more.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you choose a vegan-friendly chili crisp and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce that might contain fish.

What is the best chili crisp to use?

There are many great brands of chili crisp available; look for one with good balance of crunchy chili flakes and oil, and without added preservatives. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy and crunchy you want the salad.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of seedless?

Yes, but seedless cucumbers are best because they have less watery seeds, which keeps the salad less soggy. If using regular cucumbers, scoop out the seeds before slicing for optimal texture.

How spicy is this salad?

The spiciness mostly depends on how much chili crisp you add. This recipe has a nice medium heat that complements the creaminess; you can always add a bit more or less to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or even bell peppers would add color and crunch that complements the cucumbers beautifully, adding even more texture and freshness to this salad.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe enough for an easy yet unforgettable dish that combines flavors and textures in the most satisfying way. Whether as a quick side or a standout snack, it’s one of those recipes that brings joy in every crunchy, spicy, creamy bite. I hope you try it soon and fall in love with it just like I did!

Molly

Peanut Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need