This peanut butter cucumber salad is a unique and refreshing dish that combines the crunch of cucumbers with the creamy richness of peanut butter. It’s perfect as a light meal or a side dish for summer gatherings.
The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy days. You can easily adjust the flavors by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
Overview of Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad
This peanut butter cucumber salad offers a delightful twist on traditional salads, combining the refreshing crunch of cucumbers with a creamy peanut butter dressing.
It’s an ideal choice for a light meal or a side dish, especially during warm weather.
The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, while the flavors create a unique taste experience.
Ingredients That Shine
The key components of this salad are simple yet effective.
Fresh cucumbers, sliced thinly, serve as the base, providing a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
The dressing itself is a harmonious blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup.
Adding minced garlic and red pepper flakes introduces an extra layer of flavor, while garnishing with cilantro or green onions enhances the presentation.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this salad is a breeze and can be accomplished in just 15 minutes.
Start by washing and slicing the cucumbers, then place them in a large bowl.
Next, mix the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth, ensuring a creamy consistency that will coat the cucumbers perfectly.
Combining the cucumbers with the dressing is the final step, and tossing gently ensures every slice is well-coated.
Garnishing for Visual Appeal
Presentation plays a significant role in any dish, and this salad is no exception.
Once the cucumbers are coated in the dressing, topping the salad with chopped cilantro or green onions adds a burst of color and freshness.
The red pepper flakes sprinkled on top not only provide a pop of color but also hint at the flavor profile within.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter cucumber salad can be enjoyed immediately, but allowing it to chill for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors even further.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it an excellent addition to summer barbecues or picnics.
Alternatively, serve it as a light lunch on its own, offering a refreshing and satisfying option.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this salad delicious, but it also offers nutritional benefits.
Each serving contains a balance of healthy fats from the peanut butter, along with protein and carbohydrates.
With only 150 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free option that can fit into various dietary plans.
Easy Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad features crisp cucumbers tossed in a creamy peanut butter dressing, enhanced with lime juice and a hint of sweetness. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Place them in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the peanut butter dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish: Top with chopped cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g