Cucumber Carrot Salad: Refreshing & Easy Recipe! Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
