Name: Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
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, for binding rice); 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 for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 28 reviews

If you love vibrant flavors, fresh herbs, and a delightful crunchy texture all mingling in one bowl, you are going to adore this Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe. It’s a perfect combination of crisp cucumbers, aromatic herbs, and the irresistible crunch of golden fried rice, all dressed in a punchy, tangy sauce that keeps you coming back for more. This salad is the kind of dish that feels light and refreshing yet deeply satisfying—a true celebration of texture and taste that you can whip up in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black cutting board on a white marbled surface with several fresh ingredients arranged neatly. There is a pile of chopped peanuts in pale beige color near the center, next to thin slices of light green cucumbers placed in a small mound on the right. Above the peanuts, bright green fresh herbs including mint and cilantro leaves are layered, with some light purple thinly sliced onions on the top right side. A glass jar filled with smooth light brown peanut sauce sits on the board's right edge. The person's woman's hand is not visible but the image is taken from the viewpoint of someone standing over the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe begins with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the zing of fresh ginger to the creamy avocado oil and the excitement of chili crisp, every element works together beautifully to create a dynamic, layered flavor profile.

Fresh ginger (1/2-inch knob) or ginger paste: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that wakes up the dressing.

Garlic clove (1): Provides a fragrant, savory depth that complements the fresh herbs.
Fish sauce (1/4 cup): Brings umami richness and a touch of saltiness.
Avocado oil (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp): A neutral, smooth oil perfect for both the dressing and coating the rice.

Lime juice (1/4 cup): Delivers vibrant acidity and freshness from about 3-4 small limes.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the tart and salty flavors with a subtle sweetness.
Chili crisp (1/2 tbsp, plus extra to taste): Adds a spicy, crunchy kick to enliven every bite.

Cooked jasmine rice (2 cups): The base of the salad that becomes crispy and golden for irresistible texture.
Red curry paste (2 tsp): Infuses the rice with aromatic spices and a gentle heat.
Cornstarch (2 tsp, optional): Helps the rice hold together if your cooked rice is a bit dry or older.

English cucumber (half, thinly sliced): Brings a cool crunch and refreshing brightness.
Shallot (1, thinly sliced or minced): Adds a subtle onion-like sweetness.
Cilantro (1 bunch, roughly chopped): Lends a brilliant herbal freshness.

Mint (1 bunch, roughly chopped or torn): Adds a cool, aromatic lift to the salad.
Chopped peanuts (1/2 cup): Provides satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe

A woman's hand is placing small clumps of orange-colored rice into the black basket of an air fryer. The rice looks moist with a slightly sticky texture, and the basket's grid pattern is visible underneath. To the right on the white marbled surface, there is a clear glass bowl with more of the same orange rice inside. The woman is wearing a white and gray striped long sleeve shirt, and part of her arm showing a delicate tattoo is visible. The photo is taken from above, showing the woman's blue jeans and part of the wooden floor below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

This dressing is an absolute star. Simply blitz fresh ginger, garlic, fish sauce, avocado oil, lime juice, brown sugar, and a touch of chili crisp in your blender or food processor. The result is a bright, punchy sauce that’s bursting with flavor — tangy, sweet, umami-rich, and laced with a little spicy heat. It’s quick, effortless, and totally addictive.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Rice

Next up, give your cooked jasmine rice a flavor boost by tossing it with avocado oil and red curry paste. If the rice doesn’t stick well when you squish it—particularly if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a few days—a sprinkle of cornstarch helps bind it. Once mixed, press the rice into loose, squishy chunks and air fry them at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes. This method ensures the rice develops that irresistible golden crust and crunch. No air fryer? No problem—the note below has some easy alternatives!

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Once your rice chunks are crisped to perfection, break them apart gently into smaller pieces in a large bowl. Toss about half of that zesty dressing through the rice, then add the thinly sliced cucumber, minced shallot, chopped cilantro, and mint. This mix of herbs and veggies creates a refreshing contrast to the warm crunch of the rice that makes this Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe so captivating. Finish by sprinkling peanuts and a little extra chili crisp on top for a final burst of texture and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the garnishes! Fresh herbs like extra cilantro or mint leaves add a bright, fresh aroma and vibrant green color. A handful of chopped peanuts gives a satisfying crunch, while an extra drizzle of chili crisp brings that perfect spicy finish. These small touches really elevate each bite and make the dish feel special.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you’re looking for added protein. It’s also a fantastic side dish alongside Asian-inspired mains or BBQ items. For a vegetarian meal, simply serve it alongside roasted veggies or crispy spring rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Try serving this salad in individual lettuce cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Or shape the salad with a ring mold for a restaurant-style presentation. Another idea is layering the salad in glass jars for colorful lunchbox magic—you get the crunch last, making it perfect for on-the-go freshness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the crispy rice separate if you want to preserve that crunch and add it just before eating. The fresh herbs and veggies maintain their brightness best if you toss them with the dressing fresh each time.

Freezing

Although the crispy rice loses its texture when frozen, you can freeze the cooked rice plain if needed. The dressing and fresh ingredients do not freeze well, so it’s best to prepare those fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the salad again.

Reheating

If your crispy rice gets soft, simply pop it back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp it up again. Avoid microwaving the whole salad as this will make the cucumber and herbs soggy and dull the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more chew, which can be delicious here. Just be sure to cook it fully and let it cool before preparing the crispy rice step.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries. You can crisp the rice in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little oil, stirring gently until golden and crunchy. Alternatively, bake the rice chunks in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Is the fish sauce essential?

Fish sauce contributes a unique umami depth to the dressing, but if you’re vegetarian or dislike the flavor, substitute with soy sauce or tamari. The salad will still be fantastic, just a little less funky.

How spicy is this salad?

The spice level depends on how much chili crisp you add. The recipe suggests starting with half a tablespoon and adjusting to your liking. You can always add more to bring on the heat, or omit for a milder version.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the fish sauce with a vegan-friendly substitute like coconut aminos or soy sauce. Double-check your chili crisp for vegan ingredients or opt for chili oil with crispy garlic for similar flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe is an absolute keeper—refreshingly light yet packed with bold flavors and textures that keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re making it as a speedy lunch, a show-stopping side, or a unique snack, it’s sure to become one of your go-to dishes. Give it a try soon and watch how it brightens up your meal times with ease and flair!

Easy Rice Salad with Cucumbers and Herbs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need