Light, crunchy, and just the right amount of heat — this salad is one of those simple dishes that feel far greater than the sum of their parts. The mix of fresh cucumbers, sesame, and crispy shallots makes it the kind of thing you keep coming back to for “just one more bite.”
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion or 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 green chili (or more, to taste), finely chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp roasted peanuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version)
- 1 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (like sunflower or peanut oil)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro or mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shallots — Heat a bit of oil in a pan and fry the sliced shallots until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Mix the dressing — In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Assemble the salad — In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers with green chili, sesame seeds, and peanuts.
- Add dressing and toss everything gently to coat.
- Finish with crispy shallots on top and a handful of fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately — it’s best while the cucumbers are cold and the shallots still crunchy.
Pro tip: For extra flavor, lightly crush the cucumbers with the side of your knife before slicing — they’ll soak up the dressing better.
