Cucumber Carrot Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings a delightful crunch to your meals. Its bright flavors and colorful presentation make it not just a dish, but a celebration of freshness. You won’t need much time to whip this up, making it a perfect appetizer or a light meal for busy weeknights. Ideal for pairing with grilled proteins or as a standout dish on any picnic or potluck spread.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This Cucumber Carrot Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also bursts with bright flavors and nutritious ingredients. The combination of fresh cucumber and carrots provides crunch and color, while the zesty dressing melds all the components beautifully.
Vibrant Colors and Textures
The bright orange of carrots and the crisp green of cucumbers create a visually appealing dish that also invites you to enjoy it. Together, they provide a variety of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining good health.
Easy to Prepare
With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this salad is barely any trouble at all. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can have a fresh meal ready in no time, making it perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle.
Flavorful Dressing
The dressing includes olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from sugar or maple syrup. This blend adds depth and highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables. It’s a unique twist that you typically don’t find in a standard salad.
What Are the Ingredients and How Do You Prepare Them?
Preparing this Cucumber Carrot Salad is quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight. You’ll need fresh vegetables and a simple dressing that elevates the dish.
| Ingredients |
|---|
| cucumber |
| carrots |
| sesame seeds |
| parsley |
| garlic |
| olive oil |
| lemon juice |
| gochugaru |
| soy sauce |
| sugar |
In this salad, the cucumber serves as a base, adding hydration and stability. It’s also low in calories, making it a great ally for weight management. The carrots offer sweetness and provide protective antioxidants that can aid in your immune function. Plus, don’t forget about the fresh herbs. Parsley or cilantro are included not just for flavor but also as a source of vitamins.
Equipment Needed
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Cucumber Carrot Salad Step-by-Step?
The process to prepare this Cucumber Carrot Salad is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a fresh and delicious dish.
Step 1
Start by washing and drying your cucumber and carrots thoroughly. Once washed, julienne or finely shred your vegetables to ensure they are bite-sized and easy to mix.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar until the mixture becomes glossy and well combined. This dressing is what makes the salad truly shine.
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | No cooking required |
| Storage | Keep covered in fridge for 2–3 days |
| Nutritional Value | Low in calories, high in fiber |
Step 3
Add your julienned cucumber and carrots to a large mixing bowl, along with the chopped parsley and minced garlic. Pour the glossy dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together to ensure that each piece is evenly coated in flavor. Add in sesame seeds and toss once more for an added crunch. Let the salad sit for about ten minutes to allow the flavors to blend seamlessly, or serve immediately. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing’s flavors without wilting.
Variations, Serving, and Storage Ideas
This Cucumber Carrot Salad is versatile and can be easily tailored to your preferences. You can add other veggies like bell peppers for additional color or use different nuts or seeds for a variation of crunch.
Flavor Enhancements
Consider adding sliced radishes for an extra zing or some crushed peanuts for a nutty flavor. Adding sliced avocado can make this salad creamier while still keeping its fresh essence.
| Serving Suggestions | Goes well with grilled chicken or tofu. |
|---|---|
| Storage Tips | Store in a covered container in the refrigerator. |
| Best Enjoyed | Fresh, but holds well for 2-3 days. |
Creative Combinations
Incorporate other summer vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a more robust salad. Switch up the herbs from parsley or cilantro to basil for a fragrant touch. Serve alongside sandwiches or as a light main course for lunch, this salad is a stunning showstopper at any gathering.
Leftover Ideas
If you have any leftovers, consider using them in grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice, adding protein sources like beans or chickpeas for a balanced meal. Simply squeeze fresh lime juice on top for an added layer of brightness.
Similar Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this Cucumber Carrot Salad, here are a few more dishes you might love.
Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. A creamy and zesty corn pasta salad that will have everyone going for seconds.
Homemade Hot Chocolate. A deliciously warm treat to complement your fresh salad.
Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad. Another healthy option that pairs well with fresh veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Carrot Salad is a delightful expression of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, it suits almost any dining occasion. I love how refreshing it is on hot summer days, making my meals lighter yet fulfilling. Whether serving it as a side or a main dish, it guarantees a satisfying crunch with every bite.
When you try out this recipe, be sure to share your experiences also on social media! You can save this easy recipe to your Pinterest board for later inspiration. Pin it now!
FAQ
Can I add protein to the salad?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to convert this salad into a complete meal. Just toss the protein in right before serving, and you’ll have a well-rounded dish.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This Cucumber Carrot Salad remains fresh for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to consume it before it wilts.
Can I use different vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to change it up with more veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even sugar snap peas. The crunch will remain, and new flavors will be introduced.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
Wash and dry the cucumber and carrots thoroughly before either julienning or shredding them. The finer the pieces, the more flavor can be concentrated in each bite.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep! Just store the salad without the dressing and add it when ready to eat. This will keep all ingredients fresh.
Cucumber Carrot Salad
A refreshing mix of fresh cucumbers and carrots, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 2 carrots
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumber and carrots. Julienne or finely shred the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned cucumber, carrots, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Add sesame seeds and toss again. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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