Cucumber Salad 🥒 with Creamy Peanut Butter Sauce

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Crunchy cucumber salad tossed in a creamy peanut sauce with soy, vinegar, and honey—easy, bold, TikTok-worthy side dish!

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen cucumber salad getting its viral moment — and for good reason. With its punchy flavors, refreshing crunch, and easy prep, cucumber salad is the it-girl of summer sides. But this isn’t your average vinegar-drenched version. We’re taking things up a notch with a luscious peanut sauce that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory all at once.

Whether you’re craving a light afternoon snack, a veggie-packed side dish, or a fun twist on traditional cucumber recipes, this dish has you covered. Plus, it comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or can grab easily at your local grocery store. Let’s dive into this bold, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for warm weather and busy weeks.

Why You’ll Love this Cucumber Salad Recipe

Flavor bomb: The combo of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a spicy peanut dressing with deep, layered flavors.
Texture heaven: Crunchy cucumbers with tender skin meet the satisfying crunch of crushed peanuts and the bite of fresh green onions.
Quick and easy: It’s a fresh salad recipe that takes less than 15 minutes to whip up — perfect for meal prep or last-minute guests.
Flexible and fun: Swap in almond butter, add red chili flakes for heat, or drizzle in a touch of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
TikTok-worthy: If you love a trend that actually delivers, this one’s it. A scroll-stopping, flavor-packed side dish with social media cred.

ingredients in crunchy cucumber salad with peanut sauce

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Here’s a closer look at the star players in this cucumber salad:

English cucumbers: Their tender skin, fewer seeds, and mild flavor make them ideal for slicing thin without peeling.
Peanut butter: Go with smooth peanut butter for a silky sauce or chunky for added texture — both work great!
Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness brings harmony to the salty and tangy elements.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness — a must for any bold peanut sauce.
Crushed peanuts: For crunch and extra peanut punch. You can also use chopped peanuts or white sesame seeds.
Green onion: Sliced and scattered on top for a fresh, slightly sharp finish.

Optional add-ins:

Sesame oil: Just a few drops can enhance the savory depth.
Red chili flakes or chili-garlic sauce: For those who love spicy cucumber salad.
Maple syrup: A vegan alternative to honey.

How to Make this Cucumber Salad

Make the Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, and soy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to thin it out until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Slice cucumbers thinly and place them in a large bowl or serving dish.
Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the sliced cucumbers.
Toss gently to coat all the cucumber slices evenly.
Sprinkle with crushed peanuts (or chopped peanuts).
Top with sliced green onions.
Optional: Add red chili flakes, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a spoon of chili-garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes if desired — this helps the flavors meld and the cucumbers stay extra crisp.
Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light snack.

cucumber salad with crunchy peanuts and peanut sauce

How to Store the Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
After a day, the cucumbers may release more water, slightly thinning the sauce. Simply stir before serving or drain excess liquid if needed.
Not ideal for freezing, as cucumbers lose their texture.

Tips for Making a Delicious Cucumber Salad

Use a mandoline for perfectly even cucumber slices — thinner slices absorb the sauce better.
Go spicy by adding red chili flakes or a dash of chili-garlic sauce to the dressing.
Make it nut-free by subbing in sunflower seed butter or tahini (note: flavor will change).
Double the sauce if you love extra dressing — it also works great as a dip for spring rolls or a drizzle over grain bowls.
Use Persian cucumbers if English cucumbers aren’t available — they’re equally crunchy with tender skin.

This Cucumber Salad with Creamy Peanut Butter Sauce is proof that a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh cucumbers can transform into a dish with TikTok-worthy appeal and gourmet flavor. It’s perfect for backyard BBQs, lunch prep, or when you just want a crunchy, refreshing snack that’s a little different. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on this fresh, bold, and endlessly customizable salad.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, but you may want to peel them and scoop out the seeds first. English cucumbers have thinner, tender skin and fewer seeds, which makes them better suited for salads.

Is this recipe vegan?

Not as written (it uses honey), but you can easily swap honey for maple syrup to make it 100% plant-based.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and cucumbers in advance, but it’s best to combine them shortly before serving to maintain the crunch.

Can I substitute almond butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter works well and adds a slightly different nutty flavor. Use smooth almond butter for best results.

How spicy is this salad?

The original recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add red chili flakes or chili-garlic sauce to turn up the heat.

Where can I find rice vinegar?

Most grocery stores carry rice vinegar in the international foods aisle or near the vinegars and oils. Look for “unseasoned” if possible to control your own sweetness and salt levels.

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