Crunchy Spicy Cucumber Salad

When the heat of summer settles in, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a vibrant salad that tantalizes the taste buds. The Spicy Crunchy Cucumber Salad is a perfect dish that embodies this essence, offering a delightful combination of freshness, crunch, and just the right amount of spice. This salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients that makes every bite a joy.

Dive into summer with the refreshing Spicy Crunchy Cucumber Salad, a vibrant dish that combines the coolness of cucumbers with the sweetness of red onions and the zest of bell peppers. Bursting with flavor, this salad also includes juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, all tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your warm-weather meals or BBQ gatherings. Enjoy the crunch and savor the flavor!

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Ingredients

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons chili oil (adjust for spice level)

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Set aside.

Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, honey/agave syrup, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.

Add Herbs: Fold in the chopped cilantro and mint leaves, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Chill: Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.

Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final mix. Garnish with the chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

Enjoy: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes (including chilling) | 4 servings