Carrot and Cucumber Salad Recipe – Quick & Fresh in 15 Minutes
This crisp and colorful carrot and cucumber salad is a fresh, flavorful side dish you’ll want to make all summer long! Cool slices of cucumber pair perfectly with sweet carrots, zesty green onions, and fresh parsley. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch, while the tangy-sweet asian inspired dressing ties it all together. Tasty,light and crunchy it’s a quick salad that’s perfect for picnics, cookouts, or a refreshing weeknight side.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber and Carrot Salad Recipe
It is super easy-
We love a dish that comes together in minutes! This recipe uses pre-cut matchstick carrots so there is only a little chopping involved!
It is crunchy and full of flavor-
This cucumber carrot salad is simple but it packs a punch when it comes to flavor! The blend of Asian flavors is perfect and is the perfect marriage of sweet and savory!
It’s great to make ahead-
If you like to meal prep this is a great salad to add to your rotation. It is also perfect for picnics, parties, or any time you want to have a side dish ready to save time.
- Other Posts You’ll Love
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad– This Mediterranean cucumber salad is a fresh, amazing, blend of delicious flavors! Full of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives & feta it is loaded with Mediterranean flavor! This super easy salad recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal!
- Cucumber Pico de Gallo- If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional pico de gallo, look no further than cucumber pico de gallo! This unique and delicious variation adds crisp cucumber to the classic combination of chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Cucumber Avocado Salad– This cucumber avocado salad is the perfect side dish for a summer day! Fresh crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado and a delicious dressing combine to make a refreshing and delicious salad!
Ingredients for Carrot and Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers- I like to use English cucumbers because they don’t have a lot of seeds and they are usually a great texture. You can use any cucumbers you love for this, homegrown cucumbers are great or the little cucumbers are another great option.
Carrots – I like to use pre-cut matchstick carrots because they are super easy. You can chop you own or grate them for smaller pieces.
Green Onions – These add a great flavor to the salad. If you like a stronger onion flavor you could use red onion.
Fresh Parsley – Fresh parsley adds great flavor to this salad. If you don’t have parsley or prefer another fresh herb cilantro is a great substitute.
Sesame Seeds – They add a little flavor and texture. For even more flavor toast them before using.
Soy Sauce – For a less salty dressing you can use low sodium soy sauce. Or for a soy free option you can use coconut aminos.
Honey – This adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing. You can also use agave nectar if you prefer.
Rice Vinegar – Rice vinegar has a mild flavor that is great for dressings. You can also use apple cider vinegar.
Sesame Oil – This adds a great sesame flavor to the dressing. If you don’t like sesame you can swap this for olive oil or avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
Minced Garlic – You can mince fresh garlic or for a short cut use jarred garlic.
Minced Ginger – You can grate fresh ginger or use pre grated ginger.
Red Pepper Flakes – These add a little heat to the salad. You can add more or skip them to adjust the heat.
Here’s How to Make This Easy Cucumber Carrot Salad
In a small mixing bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients – soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic and minced ginger. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Slice the cucumber into thin slices, thinly slice the green onions, and finely chop the parsley.
Want to Save This Recipe?
We'll send this post straight to your email inbox!
Place sliced cucumbers, green onions, and carrots in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss or stir to mix.
Pour the dressing mixture over the cucumber mixture and stir or toss to coat all of the vegetables with the dressing.
Sprinkle the parsley, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired and gently stir.
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.
FAQ, Variations & Serving Ideas
- Any type of cucumber can be used. English have less seeds so that makes them ideal for this salad.
- Honey can be adjusted to achieve the desired sweetness of the dressing.
- If you can’t find matchstick carrots you can use finely sliced carrots or grated carrots.
Quick Carrot and Cucumber Salad with Asian Dressing
Ingredients
- 1- English Cucumber 2 cups sliced cucumber
- 1 ½ Cups Matchstick Carrots
- ¼ Cup Green Onions
- ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- Dressing-
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- ⅛ tsp Minced Ginger
- ½-1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl whisk together coconut aminos, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic and minced ginger. Whisk until thoroughly combined.1 Tbsp Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce, 1-2 Tbsp Honey, 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar, 2 tsp Sesame Oil, 2 tsp Minced Garlic, ⅛ tsp Minced Ginger
- Slice the cucumber into thin slices, cut the green onions into thin slices, and finely chop the parsley.1- English Cucumber
- Place sliced cucumbers, green onions, and carrots in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss or stir to mix.1 ½ Cups Matchstick Carrots, ¼ Cup Green Onions, ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley
- Pour the dressing mixture over the cucumber mixture and stir or toss to coat all of the vegetables with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the parsley, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired and gently stir.1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds, ½-1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.
