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Refreshing cucumber and carrot salad with a light dressing

Cucumber Carrot Salad

This refreshing and crisp salad features layers of cool cucumber ribbons and sweet, crunchy carrots, dressed in a tangy sesame-soy dressing, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 75
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 large English cucumber (or 3–4 Persian cucumbers, half-peeled and sliced into thin half-moons) Choose a firm cucumber for fewer seeds.
  • 4-5 carrots (peeled and julienned or shredded) Use fresh, firm carrots for best texture.
  • 2-3 green onions (thinly sliced) Both white and green parts can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds Toast briefly for extra flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce Use low-sodium to control salt balance.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar For a clean acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or neutral oil) Keeps the dressing light.
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil Adds a toasty note.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Adjust to taste for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Helps emulsify the dressing.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste Add sparingly at first.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut into thin half-moons.
  2. Optionally, sprinkle cucumber with salt and place on paper towels to draw out moisture for 10 minutes.
  3. Peel and julienne the carrots using a julienne peeler or knife.
  4. Thinly slice the green onions and set aside, saving some green tips for garnish.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, avocado oil, sesame oil, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Combine
  1. In a large bowl, mix cucumbers, carrots, and green onions.
  2. Pour in the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
Serve
  1. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, consume the salad within 24 hours of dressing. To enhance flavor, drizzle reserved sesame oil on top right before serving.