Simple Cucumber Carrot Salad With Sesame Dressing

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Whip up a refreshing Simple Cucumber Carrot Salad in minutes – it's the perfect side dish with a tangy sesame apple cider vinegar and olive oil dressing.

This crispy, healthy, light salad is packed with fresh vegetables and comes together without mayo. Enjoy it as a quick and inexpensive side dish in spring, summer, or all year round!

Pair it with red lentils tofu or vegan quinoa patties for a complete meal.

Simple cucumber carrot salad with sesame apple cider vinegar and olive oil dressing.

Cucumbers and carrots are staples I always have in my kitchen, whether for snacking or adding to salads. The simple cucumber carrot salad is a fantastic way to sneak in more veggies!

With minimal ingredients and a fast prep time, it's perfect for those busy days when I need something quick yet nutritious.

It's packed with nutrients, delivers a burst of flavor with every bite, and the crunchy texture keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it's plant-based, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free!

If you love this, try my cucumber weight loss salad, cucumber tomato salad, and butter lettuce and cucumber salad for more tasty and healthy options.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
How To Make Carrot and Cucumber Salad
Variations
Storage
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
More Delicious Salad Recipes To Try
More Easy Cucumber Recipes
More Vegan Carrot Recipes
📖 Recipe
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Carrot and cucumber salad with red onion and parsley.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish or pair it with protein for a complete meal.
Budget-friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
Nourishing & Hydrating: Packed with nutrients and fresh veggies, it keeps you feeling energized and refreshed.

Ingredients

Healthy cucumber and carrot salad with olive oil sesame dressing.

Cucumbers: Adds a refreshing crunch and hydration. You can use any cucumber, like English, Persian, or even baby cucumbers.
Carrots: Provides natural sweetness, color, and a satisfying crunch.
Red onion: Adds a mild, tangy flavor. For a similar taste, you can use shallots or green onions (scallions).
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the salad. You can also use cilantro or dill for a different flavor.
Olive oil (extra virgin): Provides a base for the dressing and healthy fats. Substitute with another light-flavored oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings a tangy acidity that balances the other flavors. You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
Toasted sesame seeds: Adds nutty flavor and texture. Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant. You can use pre-toasted sesame seeds as well.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Adjust the amount to your taste.

As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

How To Make Carrot and Cucumber Salad

Fresh chopped vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, red onion and parsley) for healthy vegan salad.

Prep the veggies. Slice cucumbers into circles or half moons if larger. Thinly slice carrots and chop the onion.

Simple homemade sesame dressing with extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar.

Make the dressing. In a small jar or bowl, mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.

Cucumber and carrot salad with onion and parsley coated with sesame olive oil apple cider vinegar dressing.

Assemble and serve. In a large bowl combine the chopped vegetables and dressing. Toss everything to coat evenly. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a finely chopped red chili pepper or jalapeno or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Asian-inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame oil for an Asian twist.
Add herbs: Mix in other fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Nuts and seeds: Add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and protein.

Storage

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Note: Cucumbers may release moisture, so it's best to make this salad just before serving for the crispiest texture.

Low calorie cucumber carrot onion salad.

Top Tips

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure cucumbers, carrots, and onions are fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
Uniform slices: Slice vegetables uniformly for an even texture and better presentation.
Dress right before serving: Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep it crunchy.
Chill before serving: Use chilled vegetables or refrigerate the salad for a few minutes before serving to enhance its refreshing taste.

Healthy carrot and cucumber salad with simple sesame dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How to toast sesame seeds?

Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant.

Can I omit the red onion?

Absolutely! If you're sensitive to onions, you can leave them out entirely or substitute with chopped green onions or chives for a milder bite.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the veggies in advance and store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to a day. However, wait to toss them with the dressing until just before serving to maintain the best texture.

What are the benefits of raw carrots and cucumber salad?

A raw carrot and cucumber salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which promote overall health and boost the immune system. It also provides hydration and fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you full and satisfied.

What other vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, and radishes are great additions.

More Delicious Salad Recipes To Try

More Easy Cucumber Recipes

More Vegan Carrot Recipes

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