Sugar-Free Thai Cucumber Salad (Noodles & Co. Copy-Cat)

Thai Cucumber Salad  
-AKA- Noodles & Co. Tomato Cucumber Salad Copy-Cat


I find this salad very refreshing. I set out to duplicate this typically sugar-laden salad that is frequently served in Thai restaurants.  It is very easy to make, especially if you prepare a quantity of dressing in advance. My family likes this salad a lot. Sometimes I make this with only cucumbers and a touch of red onion, I like that it is very versatile. Now you and your family can enjoy this sugar-free version too.

I made a seasoned sprinkle to garnish your salad with too!



THAI CUCUMBER SALAD Recipe:

Dressing:

3/4 c. rice vinegar
1 1/4 c. xyitol (to replace the conventional 1 1/4 c. white sugar) (or Lakanto sweetener to taste)
1 clove garlic , mashed in a mortar & pestle
1 small shallot, peeled and finely sliced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and very finely sliced, or grated
1/2 to 1 small hot green chili, minced fine
2 cilantro roots, washed and minced or 12 cilantro stems, minced fine
6 ground coriander seeds (use if you do not have the fresh cilantro roots)
1 t. BioSalt or sea salt, to taste

Method:

Boil the vinegar with the sweeteners, garlic, and coriander roots (or the cilantro stems plus ground coriander seeds) for about 2 minutes, to blend flavors and thicken slightly.

Let cool to about room temperature before adding the minced shallot, grated ginger root, and minced hot chili.

I double the dressing recipe and store it in a jar in the refrigerator.


Salad:

1 large cucumber, diced
1 small bunch coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped, optional
1 - 2 ripe garden tomatoes, diced, optional
A few slivers of red onion


Method:

Place the prepared vegetables in a serving bowl.

Pour enough dressing over to coat and marinate the vegetables. Toss well and let marinate a few minutes before serving.

Garnish on top with the seasoned sprinkle (recipe below), if desired.

Serve as a side or relish.



Garnish:

2 t. sesame seeds (preferably toasted)
1 t. ancho Chili powder
1 t. sweet paprika powder
1/4 t. onion salt

Mix together and store air-tight. You have made enough for a few salads.

Enjoy!

Leila