Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe

If you are craving something crisp, light, and bursting with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors, the Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a refreshing blend of crunchy cucumbers and sweet carrots enveloped in a perfectly tangy and nutty dressing that you can toss together in a flash. This salad is not only a fantastic side for any meal but also a delightful way to brighten up your lunch or dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: fresh vegetables provide crunch and color, while the dressing balances sweetness, acidity, and umami. Here’s what you need to get started:

• 1 large English cucumber or Persian cucumbers: These cucumbers stay crisp and have fewer seeds, making them perfect for salads.
• 4-5 carrots: They add a lovely sweetness and vibrant orange hue that contrasts beautifully with the cucumber.
• 2-3 green onions, sliced: They add a subtle sharpness and fresh bite that lifts the entire dish.
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds the essential salty, savory backbone to the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang that cuts through the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral oil: Light oil to help blend flavors without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Brings that unmistakable nutty aroma and depth.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing and acts as an emulsifier for the dressing.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: For a punch of sharp, savory flavor.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the acidity beautifully with natural sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: For crunch and a toasty finish.

How to Make Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by slicing your cucumbers into half-moons, which gives a lovely bite-sized shape that holds the dressing well. If you wish, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cut cucumbers and let them sit on paper towels for a few minutes—this helps pull out excess moisture, keeping your salad crisp and vibrant rather than watery. Peeling the cucumber is a personal choice; half-peeling adds texture while fully peeling will soften the bite.

Step 2: Julienne the Carrots

Next, peel the carrots and cut them into matchsticks or julienne. Using a julienne peeler if you have one will save you time and effort, but slicing into 1-inch pieces and then cutting into sticks works just as well. If you want a softer texture, shredded carrots are also a good option. This preparation keeps the carrots crunchy and colorful, creating a lovely contrast in the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, neutral oil, toasted sesame oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper. This combination forms a beautifully balanced dressing that is tangy, sweet, savory, and nutty all at once. Take your time whisking to fully incorporate the ingredients for a smooth, irresistible finish.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Add the sliced green onions to the prepared vegetables and season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cucumber, carrot, and onions mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top to add a toasty crunch and a hint of elegance. Your salad is now ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro or a handful of chopped roasted peanuts. These garnishes amplify the salad’s textures and add a fresh herbal or crunchy nutty element that complements the sesame soy dressing perfectly.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or even a spicy tofu dish. Its lightness and zest make it a fantastic palate cleanser alongside rich or spicy mains, ensuring every bite of your meal feels perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in clear glass jars or small bowls layered with extra sesame seeds and a wedge of lime for squeezing at the table. You could also turn it into a vibrant topping for rice paper rolls or use it as a fresh side in bento boxes. Presentation is a great way to make the Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe feel special and inviting every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, keep the dressing separate if possible and toss just before serving. The crispness of cucumbers and carrots might decline over time, so fresh is always best, but this method helps maintain flavor and texture.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing, as the cucumbers and carrots will lose their crisp texture and become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

Since the salad is served cold and packed with fresh ingredients, reheating is not necessary. Enjoy it chilled to fully experience the crunchy, refreshing qualities and the zing of the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

While you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar has a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that enhances this salad’s profile without overpowering it. Regular vinegar might change the taste a bit but can work in a pinch.

Is it okay to omit the honey?

If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can skip the honey or substitute it with a pinch of sugar or your favorite sweetener. The honey balances the acidity, so without it, the dressing might taste sharper, but still delicious.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas would be wonderful additions that add extra crunch and color while staying true to the salad’s spirit.

What type of sesame seeds should I use?

Toasted sesame seeds add the best flavor and aroma, but if you only have raw sesame seeds on hand, you can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant before using.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, the recipe is vegan as long as you use a plant-based sweetener instead of honey. The dressing ingredients are all plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, vibrant salad packed with fresh flavors that feels both familiar and exciting, you simply must try the Cucumber and Carrot Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing Recipe. It’s a keeper for busy weeknights or as a bright starter when entertaining. Once you taste this crunchy, savory, and sweet combination, it’s hard not to make it a regular on your recipe rotation.

Print