Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts: An Incredible 5-Ingredient Recipe

Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts is a refreshing and nutty side dish that brings together vibrant flavors and delightful textures. Imagine crunching into cool, crisp cucumbers, enhanced by the rich umami of miso, the sharpness of shallots, and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts. This salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as a colorful addition to any meal, making it an essential part of your culinary repertoire.
When it comes to summer meals, this salad shines. It’s light yet fulfilling, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or simply as a side to your favorite main dishes. The combination of miso and roasted peanuts provides both depth and texture, while the cucumbers and shallots offer a refreshing bite. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, allowing anyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs to enjoy its wonderful flavors with little effort.
In this article, you will discover how to create this delightful dish. We’ll break down the preparation time, list the ingredients, and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you achieve the best results. Additionally, we’ll discuss why this recipe is a must-try and how you can serve it to impress your guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing this delightful salad is quick and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:
– Preparation Time: 10 minutes
– Chilling Time: 15 minutes (optional for enhanced flavor)
– Total Time: 25 minutes
This means you can easily fit this salad into any meal plan, making it an effortless addition to your dining experience.

Ingredients

– 2 large cucumbers
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts is straightforward if you follow these clear steps:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the white miso paste and rice vinegar until smooth. You can add a touch of water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced shallots, and the miso dressing. Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.

4. Add Peanuts: Fold in the chopped roasted peanuts, mixing them lightly with the cucumber mixture while retaining their crunch.

5. Season: Taste the salad and add salt and pepper according to your preference.

6. Let it Chill: For enhanced flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.

7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and additional flavor before serving.
Following these steps will yield a delicious salad that not only tastes great but also presents beautifully.

How to Serve

Serving your Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts can elevate the overall dining experience. Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Presentation: Serve the salad in a clear glass bowl or on a colorful plate to showcase its vibrant ingredients.

2. Ideal Pairings: This salad works wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or Asian dishes. Consider serving it alongside teriyaki chicken or sushi for a delightful meal.

3. Portion Control: Offer the salad in small bowls or cups if you are serving it at a gathering. This encourages guests to return for seconds without overwhelming their plates.

4. Food Styling: Add a sprinkle of extra peanuts or cilantro on top for a refined finish that adds flavor and visual appeal.
5. Extra Touch: For added flavor, consider drizzling a little extra rice vinegar or sesame oil on top right before serving for an added zing.
By considering these serving tips, you can create a memorable dining experience that highlights the fresh and nutty flavors of the Miso Cucumber Salad.
In conclusion, Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts is an incredible dish that deserves a space in your kitchen. With its refreshing taste, minimal ingredients, and swift preparation, it is the perfect side dish for countless occasions. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or preparing a simple meal for family, this salad will undoubtedly impress and satiate your guests. Enjoy the delicious burst of flavor in every bite!

Recipe Variation

Get creative with your Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts! Here are some delicious variations to consider:
1. Add Protein: Incorporate grilled shrimp or tofu for a heartier salad that makes for a complete meal.

2. Different Vinegars: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, for a new twist on the dressing.
3. Green Additions: Toss in some diced avocado, bell peppers, or even spinach for enhanced nutrition and variety in textures.
4. Spicy Version: Mix in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to spice things up!
5. Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to give the salad a fragrant and vibrant touch.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep your Miso Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and crunch.
– Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the high water content in cucumbers, which can become mushy once thawed. Prepare just enough to serve to avoid waste.

Special Equipment

While this Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts doesn’t require any special gadgets, it can be helpful to have:
– Sharp Knife: A good-quality knife to slice the cucumbers and shallots efficiently.
– Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl for combining all your ingredients.
– Measuring Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of your ingredients for the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is miso paste gluten-free?
Some types of miso paste contain barley, which has gluten. Opt for a gluten-free miso version if you need to avoid gluten entirely.
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad several hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It will develop even more flavor as it sits.
→ What if I don’t have shallots?
If shallots are unavailable, thinly sliced red or green onions can serve as a substitute.
→ Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! All ingredients in this recipe are plant-based, making it perfect for vegans.
→ Can I adjust the serving size?
Certainly! You can increase or decrease the quantity of each ingredient according to your needs. Just maintain the ratio for a balanced flavor.

Conclusion

Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts is a delightful and refreshing side dish, brimming with flavor and texture. Its simplicity makes it accessible for everyone, while the unique combination of ingredients elevates everyday meals. Whether you’re enjoying a summer barbecue or a quiet dinner at home, this salad will surely impress your guests and family alike. With endless variations and easy preparation, it is a recipe worth making over and over again.

Print