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Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. One of the most refreshing dishes that encapsulates these characteristics is the Thai cucumber noodle salad, a delightful dish that combines the crispness of vegetables with an explosion of flavors. As more people turn to healthy eating, cucumber noodle salads have gained immense popularity, particularly for those seeking lighter, nutritious meal options that don't sacrifice taste.

Thai Cucumber Noodle Salad

Discover the refreshing Thai Cucumber Noodle Salad, a vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of Thai cuisine. This easy-to-make salad features crisp cucumber noodles, colorful bell peppers, sweet carrots, and nutritious red cabbage, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Ideal for healthy eating, it's versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish. Enjoy a burst of flavor with fresh herbs and crunchy nuts, creating a delightful culinary experience that's both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients
  

2 large cucumbers, spiralized into noodle-like strips

1 cup shredded carrots

1 red bell pepper, thinly julienned

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1/2 cup chopped peanuts or cashews (for garnish)

1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons fish sauce (or substitute with soy sauce for a vegetarian option)

1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey for non-vegans)

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for an extra kick)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cucumber Noodles: Utilizing a spiralizer, transform the cucumbers into long, noodle-like strips. Once spiralized, place the cucumbers in a colander and lightly sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes to eliminate excess moisture. Afterward, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they do not water down the salad.

    Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, add the prepared cucumber noodles, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, finely shredded red cabbage, and chopped cilantro. Toss these vegetables together gently to mix them evenly.

      Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), maple syrup (or honey), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you prefer more heat). Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors according to your preference.

        Toss the Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and carefully toss everything together using tongs or a spatula until all the ingredients are well-coated and the salad is vibrant.

          Serve and Garnish: Distribute the salad into individual serving bowls. Top generously with the chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful crunch, and finish with a sprinkling of sliced scallions to enhance flavor and presentation.

            Enjoy: This refreshing salad can be served immediately or can be refrigerated for up to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s perfect as a light meal or served as an appetizing side dish!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges for added color!