Cucumber Carrot Salad: Refreshing & Easy Recipe
This refreshing and easy-to-make Cucumber Carrot Salad combines crisp cucumbers and sweet carrots with a tangy, spicy dressing featuring Korean chili flakes and soy sauce. It’s a vibrant, healthy side dish perfect for any meal or as a light snack.
- 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: Vegan
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 and dry the cucumber and carrots thoroughly. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Peel the carrots and julienne them into matchstick-sized pieces or finely shred them using a grater or food processor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined and smooth, forming a spicy and tangy dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly so that every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad as a nutty, crunchy garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For an extra kick, increase the amount of gochugaru or add a dash of freshly ground black pepper.
- You can substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar for a different acidic note.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
- To keep the salad crunchy, add sesame seeds just before serving.
- Optional: Toast sesame seeds lightly for a nuttier flavor.
Keywords: Cucumber carrot salad, Korean salad, spicy salad, easy salad recipe, vegan salad, no-cook salad, healthy side dish
