Description
This Easy Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken is a fresh and vibrant dish combining crisp cucumbers, tender grilled chicken, and a tangy, naturally flavored dressing. Packed with colorful vegetables and bright flavors, this light yet satisfying salad is perfect for any season or occasion, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 chili pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted peanuts (plant-based), for garnish
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear them until cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. Let them rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips.
- Slice the Vegetables: While the chicken rests, thinly slice cucumber, red onion, carrot, and chili pepper using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice (natural), fish sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), brown sugar (natural), and natural gelling agent until vibrant and slightly thickened.
- Toss Everything Together: Combine all sliced vegetables, chicken strips, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat thoroughly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted peanuts (plant-based) and additional fresh cilantro on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken breasts for juiciness and tender texture.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to maintain moisture.
- Slice vegetables thinly to enhance texture and balance the salad.
- Adjust chili amount to control spiciness according to taste.
- Taste and adjust dressing to achieve a harmonious balance of sour, sweet, and salty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Thai cucumber salad, grilled chicken salad, fresh salad, easy Thai recipe, healthy chicken salad
