Hello, salad lovers! If you’re looking for a light, refreshing dish that’s packed with crunch and bursting with flavor, this Cucumber and Carrot Salad is the perfect choice. It’s quick to make, incredibly versatile, and loaded with fresh, vibrant ingredients that are as healthy as they are delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light snack, this salad is guaranteed to brighten up your table. Let’s explore how to create this delightful recipe!
Introduction
Cucumber and carrot salads are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, celebrated for their simplicity and nutritional value. This particular recipe draws inspiration from Asian flavors, incorporating rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce to create a dressing that’s tangy, nutty, and slightly sweet. The addition of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro elevates the dish, adding texture and a burst of freshness. This salad is not just a feast for the palate but also a visual treat, with vibrant orange carrots and crisp green cucumbers creating a colorful plate that’s as appealing as it is tasty.
Ingredients
To prepare this Cucumber and Carrot Salad, you’ll need:
- 1 large seedless cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup julienned carrot slices
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
These ingredients combine to create a perfectly balanced dish with crunch, tang, sweetness, and a hint of spice.
How to Make Cucumber and Carrot Salad
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumber and carrots thoroughly under cold water. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumber into rounds. For the carrots, julienne them into thin strips. This ensures that the vegetables are evenly sized, making the salad easier to toss and enjoy.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the ground ginger and crushed red chili flakes if you’d like a spicy kick. The dressing should have a perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and nuttiness.
Combine Salad and Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and julienned carrots. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly. Make sure every slice is covered with the flavorful dressing.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This chilling step allows the vegetables to soak in the dressing, enhancing the overall taste and making the salad extra refreshing.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the minced fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes not only add an elegant touch but also provide additional texture and a burst of freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, choose fresh, crisp cucumbers and carrots. Fresh vegetables make a noticeable difference in the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, skip the crushed red chili flakes. Alternatively, if you love heat, feel free to add more for a fiery kick.
- Customize the Garnishes: While cilantro and sesame seeds are ideal, you can also add sliced green onions or crushed peanuts for a different twist.
Cooking Tips
- Perfect Slices: A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for creating uniform, thin slices of cucumber and evenly julienned carrots. This ensures the vegetables absorb the dressing evenly.
- Balancing the Flavors: Taste the dressing before combining it with the vegetables. Adjust the sugar, vinegar, or soy sauce to suit your personal preference.
- Make Ahead: While the salad is best served fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing a few hours ahead of time. Keep them separate and combine just before serving to maintain crispness.
Serving Suggestions
This Cucumber and Carrot Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or Asian-inspired dishes. It also works as a refreshing standalone dish on hot summer days. Serve it alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. For a beautiful presentation, plate the salad in a large bowl and sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top.
Nutritional Information
This salad is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants. The sesame oil and avocado oil add healthy fats, making this dish a guilt-free pleasure.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 60%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 3%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the cucumbers may release water over time, slightly diluting the dressing.
Refresh the Salad: If the salad becomes watery, simply drain the excess liquid and add a touch of fresh dressing or sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance. Keep them separate and toss together just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or Thai basil can be great alternatives that still add a pop of freshness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers would make excellent additions to this salad.
Is there a way to make this salad sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter salad, add an extra teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey to the dressing.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this salad, you might like these other refreshing and healthy recipes:
- Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
- Crispy Thai Spring Rolls
- Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables
- Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Conclusion
This Cucumber and Carrot Salad is a true celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a light, healthy snack, this salad checks all the boxes. With its vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and tangy sesame dressing, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it out today and enjoy the refreshing taste of this easy and nutritious dish!