Name: Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/2-inch knob of fresh ginger, or a spoonful of ginger paste; 1 clove garlic; 1/4 cup fish sauce; 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons avocado oil, or another neutral oil; 1/4 cup lime juice (3-4 small limes); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 tablespoon chili crisp (more for spicier); 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 teaspoons red curry paste; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional); Half an English cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 cup); 1 shallot, thinly sliced or minced (about 1/4 cup); 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup); 1 bunch mint, roughly chopped or torn (about 1/4 cup); 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; Chili crisp to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

Let me introduce you to a vibrant and irresistible dish that will instantly brighten your table and your taste buds: the Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe. This salad brings together golden, crunchy rice morsels paired with refreshingly crisp cucumbers and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a tangy, punchy dressing that sings with layers of flavor. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes, something you'll find yourself craving again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a black cutting board on a white marbled surface with chopped ingredients arranged neatly. Starting from the left, there is a green leafy cluster of mint, next to it a pile of chopped peanuts with a rough beige texture. To the right of the peanuts is a small pile of finely chopped dark green herbs, and beside it thin slices of light green cucumber with pale translucent centers and dark green edges. Above the cucumbers are thin curved slices of light purple onion, almost translucent. On the far right side is a short glass jar filled with smooth, orange-brown peanut sauce. At the bottom of the image, part of a person’s legs in blue jeans can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful balance of fresh, aromatic ingredients that each contribute to its charm. Every component plays a distinct role—from the zingy dressing bursting with citrus and umami, to the crispy rice bits providing that delightful crunch, and the herbs brightening the whole experience.

Fresh ginger knob: Adds a warm and peppery brightness that wakes up the dressing.
Garlic clove: Brings subtle pungency and depth of flavor.
Fish sauce: Offers that unmistakable savory umami punch.
Avocado oil: A neutral, smooth oil that helps crisp the rice without overpowering tastes.
Lime juice: Adds essential acidity and freshness to the salad.
Brown sugar: Balances the tart and salty with a hint of sweetness.
Chili crisp: Delivers a spicy crunch that can be adjusted to your heat preference.
Cooked jasmine rice: The star ingredient that turns crispy to create delightful texture.
Red curry paste: Infuses a gentle heat and aromatic complexity to the rice.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps bind the rice for perfect crisping, especially if the rice is a bit aged.
English cucumber: Provides cool, crunchy contrast that brightens every bite.
Shallot: Adds mild onion sweetness with a bit of bite.
Cilantro: Offers a fresh, citrusy herbaceous note.
Mint: Brings a cool, refreshing lift to the overall flavor profile.
Chopped peanuts: Introduces a toasty crunch and nutty richness.

How to Make Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by blitzing fresh ginger, garlic, fish sauce, avocado oil, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili crisp together in a blender or food processor. This creates a punchy, balanced sauce that is packed with lively, layered flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and a subtle kick of heat all in one. This dressing is the soul of the Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe, bringing everything deliciously together.

Step 2: Crisp the Rice

Next, toss your cooked jasmine rice with additional avocado oil and red curry paste, mixing thoroughly. If the rice feels dry or crumbly, sprinkle in some cornstarch and dampen your hands to squeeze the rice into loose chunks. This helps the rice stick and crisp perfectly. Spread these chunks in a single layer inside the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes until beautifully golden and crisp. This transform the soft rice into irresistibly crunchy nuggets that will be sung about in your kitchen for days!

Step 3: Combine the Salad

Break apart the crisped rice into bite-sized pieces and toss them with half of your homemade dressing. Add in the thinly sliced cucumber, shallots, cilantro, and mint for fresh flavor and crunch. Gently mix until everything is coated and invitingly fragrant. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for an added layer of texture and nutty taste. If you love some extra spice, drizzle on a bit more chili crisp because this salad loves a little fire.

How to Serve Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe

A white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom, thin slices of green cucumber with pale white bean sprouts; the middle layer has bright orange-red rice mixed with grains and small pieces of herbs; on top, roughly chopped fresh green herbs with scattered crushed light brown nuts, giving a crunchy texture; the bowl is held by a woman's hand with dark nail polish, and two gold spoons rest inside the bowl; the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe to the next level, top it off with extra chopped peanuts and a few sprigs of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. A drizzle of chili crisp not only adds visual appeal but also intensifies the heat and crunch, making every bite a dazzling experience.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a main dish for a light lunch but also pairs beautifully alongside grilled meats or seafood. Think smoky grilled chicken skewers, lemongrass shrimp, or even a simple coconut curry. The fresh herbs and citrus notes cut through heavier flavors, balancing your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in pretty shallow bowls to showcase the colorful herbs and golden rice pieces. For something playful, pile portions into small lettuce cups or crunchy endive leaves for a fun finger-food twist. You can even assemble it as a vibrant platter with the individual components scattered for guests to build their own bowls. It’s a dish that invites creativity and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing-soaked salad will keep well for about 1-2 days, but the rice might soften slightly. For best texture, keep the rice crispy chunks separate if possible and add just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh cucumbers and herbs will lose their vibrant texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the crispy rice separately before tossing it with fresh ingredients to enjoy later.

Reheating

To revive the crispy rice chunks, gently reheat them in an air fryer or a hot skillet for a few minutes until golden once again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the rice soggy. Re-toss with fresh cucumber, herbs, and dressing for a near-fresh experience.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! To make the Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe vegan, simply swap fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your chili crisp is vegan-friendly. The flavor will still be fabulous.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe because of its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which helps it crisp up nicely. Day-old chilled rice works best to get that golden crunch.

Can I cook the crispy rice on the stovetop?

Absolutely! Just heat a non-stick pan with oil over medium heat, pressing rice clusters gently into the pan. Cook until the bottom is golden and crisp, then flip to crisp the other side. This is a great alternative if you don’t have an air fryer.

How spicy is this salad?

The spice level depends on how much chili crisp you add. You can start with a small amount and increase to taste, making it perfect for all heat preferences.

How long does it take to prepare?

The entire Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet impressive option for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe is truly a joyful creation that celebrates fresh flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as your own little culinary treat. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!

Crispy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need