Cucumber Carrot Salad: Refreshing & Easy Recipe! Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Carrot Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a light lunch or a crisp side. Featuring a tangy, slightly spicy dressing, it balances fresh vegetables with bold flavors effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber
• 2 large carrots
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and prepare the cucumber and carrots. Slice the cucumber and peel then julienne or finely shred the carrots.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar to create the dressing.
3. Step 3: Combine the sliced cucumber, prepared carrots, and chopped fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl.
4. Step 4: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until everything is well coated.
5. Step 5: Garnish the salad with sesame seeds just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers to the salad.
• Substitute parsley with fresh cilantro or mint for a different herbal note.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the gochugaru or omit it entirely.
• Use toasted sesame seeds to enhance the nutty flavor in the garnish.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables stay crisp best when dressed shortly before serving. If stored with dressing, toss again before eating. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the vegetables ahead, but it’s best to add the dressing and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain crispness.

What can I use if I don’t have gochugaru?

If gochugaru is unavailable, substitute with crushed red pepper flakes or a mild chili powder for a similar spicy kick.

Cucumber Carrot Salad: Refreshing & Easy Recipe! Recipe

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4.6 from 147 reviews

A refreshing and easy-to-make Cucumber Carrot Salad featuring crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty Korean-inspired dressing with a hint of spice, perfectly garnished with sesame seeds for crunch.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Korean-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 large cucumber
• 2 large carrots
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp sugar

Garnish

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash the cucumber and carrots thoroughly. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Peel the carrots and either julienne them into thin matchsticks or finely shred them using a grater.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
3. Combine the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumber, prepared carrots, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
4. Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly so that every piece is lightly coated with the flavorful dressing.
5. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of gochugaru according to your preference.
• You can substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar for a milder tangy flavor.
• To keep the salad crisp, dress it just before serving and avoid letting it sit for too long.
• This salad pairs excellently as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light snack on its own.
• For a nut-free option, omit the sesame seeds or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Keywords: Cucumber salad, carrot salad, Korean salad, easy salad recipe, healthy side dish, no-cook salad, gochugaru recipe, refreshing summer salad