Name: Spicy Cucumber Salad
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or more to taste); 1 lime (juiced); 4 teaspoons sugar; 4 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves (minced); Salt (to taste); 4 long English cucumbers (thinly sliced); 2 red Thai hot chili peppers (thinly sliced, or more to taste); 8 green onions (thinly sliced on the diagonal); 1 cup fresh mint (roughly chopped, plus extra to garnish); 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts (roughly chopped)

Looking for a light and zesty side dish? Meet your new go-to: Spicy Cucumber Salad. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and layered with bold, bright flavours. Whether you’re planning a BBQ, packing a picnic, or just craving something fun and fresh, this little salad comes through every single time.

Inspired by Thai and Vietnamese flavours (with a little Fraîche twist), you’ll want to keep this recipe on standby: it’s a crowd-pleaser! It makes for a simple fresh summer dinner when served with rotisserie chicken or a filet of salmon.

Overhead view of spicy cucumber salad garnished with fresh mint and crushed peanuts

Tori holding bowl of spicy cucumber salad garnished with fresh mint and crushed peanuts

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cucumber Salad

Quick & easy: Ready in 10 minutes—no cooking required!

Better with time: As the salad sits, the cucumbers begin to lightly pickle, making it even more flavourful!

Fresh & light: Mint and cucumber are the ultimate cooling combo.

Customizable heat: Add extra Thai chilis to turn up the heat or keep it mild by reducing the chills or remove the seeds before adding.

Overhead view of spicy cucumber salad garnished with fresh mint and thai chilis

How to Make Spicy Cucumber Salad

This salad comes together in just a few simple steps (in literally less than 10 minutes!):

1. Slice the cucumbers:
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice English or Persian cucumbers. If they’re very watery, you can lightly salt them and let them sit for 5–10 minutes.

2. Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing.

3. Assemble the salad:
Add the sliced cucumbers, green onions, fresh mint, and chilis to a large bowl. Pour the dressing overtop and toss everything together until evenly coated.

4. Finish with crunch:
Just before serving, sprinkle with crushed peanuts and a few extra herbs for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, spicy crunch!

Flat lay of ingredients for spicy cucumber salad including cucumbers, lime, chilis, soy sauce, and mint

What to Serve with Spicy Cucumber Salad

This salad makes a great light lunch or snack on its own, but it also brings a ton of brightness and flavour to other dishes. It pairs beautifully with:

Grilled meats or seafood – Think grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or salmon.
Asian-inspired mains – Like rice bowls, satay, or teriyaki-glazed tofu.
BBQ favourites – Add it to your summer cookout spread for a fresh, spicy contrast.
Noodle or rice dishes – A great companion to jasmine rice or soba noodles.
Picnic Fare – Serve alongside sandwiches, wraps, or other fresh veggie sides.

Pro tip: Make it a meal by adding grilled tofu, chickpeas, or rotisserie chicken for a protein boost.

Tori holding bowl spicy cucumber salad garnished with fresh mint and crushed peanuts

More Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Want more? Here are some other salads that bring the same freshness this recipe does:

Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic. Simple, classic, and oh-so-satisfying.
Cowboy Caviar Salad: A colourful mix of beans, corn, peppers, and avocado. Perfect as a dip or side salad!
Watermelon Feta Salad: A refreshing combo of juicy watermelon, briny feta, and fresh mint.

These next recipes are straight from Fraîche Table (my online meal planner), home to (quite literally) thousands of simple, balanced, family-friendly recipes. Warning: these will make you hungry.

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