Description
A fresh and crunchy cucumber carrot salad featuring a tangy, spicy dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and Korean red chili flakes. This vibrant salad is perfect as a light side dish or a healthy addition to meals, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors with a hint of sesame and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 1 large cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, julienned or finely shredded
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or cilantro)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), adjust for heat
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar (or maple syrup/agave)
Optional Add-ins (choose 1–2)
- Thin carrot ribbons
- Sliced green onion
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Cashews
Instructions
- Prep veggies: Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Julienne or thinly slice the cucumber and julienne or finely shred the carrots into even pieces to ensure consistent crunch throughout the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar until slightly emulsified, achieving a glossy appearance.
- Combine salad ingredients: Place the cucumber, carrot, parsley, and minced garlic into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss & finish: Toss all ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and toss once more to incorporate them evenly.
- Rest (optional): Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately to enjoy maximum crunch. This salad can be paired with steamed rice, tofu, chicken, or used as a filling in lettuce wraps for a refreshing meal.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Store veggies and dressing separately for up to 24 hours to prevent sogginess; combine just before serving.
- Adjust heat by reducing gochugaru or replacing it with a pinch of red pepper flakes for milder flavor.
- Boost protein by adding chickpeas, grilled shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Experiment with different herbs like mint or cilantro to vary the flavor profile; a squeeze of lime can add a brighter, Asian-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: cucumber carrot salad, Korean carrot salad, fresh vegetable salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad, gluten free salad, Asian-inspired salad
