This Thai Cucumber Salad is a perfect low carb summer side dish. Light and easy to make, the spicy Thai dressing will make your tastebuds sing! Paleo and keto friendly too. Instructional video included
This easy Thai Cucumber Salad features cucumber noodles made on a spiralizer. I have to tell you, those things are so fun and a must-have for any keto diet.
Also check out this Israeli Salad, it’s another great way to use cucumbers and fresh produce!
A few days ago, I was making lasagna with zucchini and today I am all about the cucumber noodles. You just have to love all the wonderful things you can do with fresh vegetables to replace the old carb-heavy standbys. I will say that working with a spiral vegetable cutter might be the most fun I’ve ever had with a kitchen tool.
I love the way it cuts the cucumber into long, curly slices like this. Of course, you don’t need a spiralizer to make this light, summery low carb salad. You could do just as well with a mandolin or a sharp knife and cut your cucumbers into crosswise slices.
However you decide to do it, this salad is perfect for a summer bbq or backyard get together. You can scale it up and make a whole bunch. Or you can do what I do and just keep it alllllll to yourself.
How to make Thai Cucumber Salad
Thai Cucumber Salad is so easy to make, you won’t believe it. It’s almost ridiculously easy. You simply whisk the dressing ingredients together, spiralize your cucumber, and pour the dressing on. Done.
One important tip: don’t add the dressing until you are ready to serve. Salt can draw the water out of vegetables like cucumber and it will end up in a pool at the bottom of your salad bowl. If you toss just prior to serving, the cucumber will stay nice and fresh instead of soggy.
I originally created this recipe for SheKnows.com and it was love at first bite. I adore the spicy flavors of Thai cuisine but I hate that there’s usually so much added sugar. Not to mention the carby noodles and rice that come along with it. But it’s easy to recreate these flavors at home in a healthier way. A little hot chill, some fish sauce, some lime and cilantro and you’ve got it made. If you’re strict Paleo, be sure to use the Red Boat brand fish sauce and coconut aminos.
Hooray for cucumber noodles! You won’t be able to get enough of this low carb Thai Cucumber Salad.
And if you’re looking for more great low carb salads, try this Gujarati Style Coconut Almond Warm Cabbage Salad from Cotter Crunch. Paleo and Whole 30! Or this delicious Hungarian Cucumber Salad from Kalyn’s Kitchen. Also check out this Thai Chicken and Cucumber Salad from Foodie Crush.
And if you don’t use the corn, this wonderful Grilled Vegetable Salad would be a great keto summer side dish!
Thai Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1-1/2 tablespoons fish sauce use Red Boat brand for Paleo
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 6 bird's eye chilies crushed or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, coconut aminos or soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, chilies or pepper flakes, sesame oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Slice cucumbers thinly using a spiral vegetable slicer for noodles or a mandolin slicer for thin cross-wise slices. Transfer to a large bowl and add cilantro.
- Add dressing just before serving and toss to combine. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
