Description
This Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken is a fresh, vibrant, and simple dish combining crisp cucumbers, tender chicken, and a zingy dressing that balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it is quick to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients that deliver a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 Persian or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp sugar (natural)
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped and toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper. Cook it in a hot skillet with a splash of oil for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, golden outside, and juicy inside. Let it rest before thinly slicing.
- Slice the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, thinly slice the cucumbers to keep them crisp and refreshing. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop the cilantro and mint.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), fish sauce (natural), sugar (natural), and finely chopped red chili if using. Ensure the balance of tang, sweetness, and savory umami is just right.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and mix gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the cucumber slices.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle toasted peanuts on top for crunch and nuttiness. Serve immediately or chill briefly to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use crisp cucumbers such as Persian or English for best texture.
- Add the dressing gradually to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
- Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
- Toast peanuts fresh to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Adjust seasoning by tasting to achieve perfect sweet, salty, and tangy balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Thai cucumber salad, chicken salad, fresh salad, light meal, quick recipe, Thai dressing
