The vibrant harmony of carrots and cucumber in this salad makes for a fresh, crunchy, and colorful addition to any table. Paired with a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, it brings a light yet flavorful balance that complements a variety of dishes. Perfect for hot days, this salad offers a cool bite with minimal prep time.
Cucumber and carrot ribbons not only provide textural contrast but also make the presentation pop. The dressing, a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame oil, elevates the crisp vegetables into a savory-sweet delight with a subtle kick from fresh ginger. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a refreshing side for dinner, this salad delivers with both taste and aesthetics.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 medium carrots, peeled
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1 large cucumber
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 teaspoon maple syrup
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1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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1 green onion, finely chopped
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Salt to taste
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Optional: chopped cilantro or mint for garnish
Directions:
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Using a vegetable peeler or mandolin, slice the carrots and cucumber into thin ribbons.
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In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and grated ginger until fully combined.
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Place the carrot and cucumber ribbons in a large mixing bowl.
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Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top.
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Add salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro or mint if desired.
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Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 78 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Cucumber Carrot Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing: A Crisp, Refreshing, and Nutrient-Packed Delight
Fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly crunchy, this Cucumber Carrot Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing is everything you want in a light dish. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavors, with the clean crunch of vegetables meeting the umami-packed notes of sesame and soy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a refreshing side dish, or just in the mood for a clean, plant-based bite, this salad fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.
A Cooling Dish for All Seasons
While this salad is especially appreciated during the warmer months, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed all year long. Its ingredients cucumber and carrots are available in most regions year-round, making it a reliable addition to your weekly menu. The salad is served chilled, making it a great counterbalance to spicy dishes or heavier entrees. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free (if tamari is used instead of soy sauce), so it’s also perfect for serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
This salad’s cooling effect also pairs well with other dishes inspired by Asian cuisine. Serve it alongside tofu stir-fry, veggie sushi, rice bowls, or dumplings, and you have a complete, colorful meal full of contrasting textures and complementary flavors.
The Simplicity Behind Its Success
Sometimes the best dishes are the ones that require the fewest ingredients, and this salad is a prime example. With only about 10 ingredients (most of which you likely already have in your pantry), it proves that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
What makes this recipe shine is the balance in its dressing. The acidity of rice vinegar cuts through the natural sweetness of carrots, while the richness of sesame oil brings a nutty depth that ties everything together. A touch of maple syrup rounds out the flavor, offering subtle sweetness without overpowering the vegetables. Freshly grated ginger gives it just enough bite to awaken your taste buds without being spicy or overwhelming.
Nutrition That Supports Wellness
This salad is more than just pretty to look at. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber making it a nutritious choice that supports a balanced diet.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for eye health and immune function. They also provide fiber and vitamin K, helping to support digestive health and healthy bones.
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in hydration, thanks to their high water content. They also provide a modest amount of vitamin K and various antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory root, adds more than flavor. It has been used for centuries to support digestion, ease nausea, and provide antimicrobial properties.
Sesame seeds contain healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, and phytosterols, compounds that may help reduce cholesterol levels and support heart health.
When combined, these simple ingredients create a salad that doesn’t just taste good, it also contributes to your overall wellness in a meaningful way.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining
Another key advantage of this salad is its flexibility in both storage and presentation. It holds up surprisingly well in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days, especially if you keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prep, just portion it out into containers and refrigerate for a crisp, ready-to-go lunch or snack.
Hosting a dinner party or a summer barbecue? Serve this salad in a large platter or wide bowl and sprinkle extra sesame seeds and chopped herbs (like cilantro or mint) on top for a beautiful presentation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that offers something light and refreshing to balance heavier fare.
How to Customize Your Cucumber Carrot Salad
What’s great about a foundational recipe like this is how customizable it is. If you love experimenting in the kitchen or need to adjust based on what you have at home, consider the following:
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Add avocado: A few slices of ripe avocado can add creaminess and healthy fats.
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Include shredded red cabbage: For added crunch and vibrant color.
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Swap the maple syrup for agave or honey: Depending on dietary preference or availability.
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Top with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews: For added texture and nutty flavor.
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Incorporate protein: Add edamame, chickpeas, or marinated tofu cubes to turn this salad into a full meal.
Even the dressing can be adjusted to suit your flavor profile. If you like it spicier, add a few drops of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer something more citrusy? A squeeze of fresh lime juice works beautifully.
Pairing Ideas to Complete Your Meal
Cucumber Carrot Salad is incredibly versatile and goes well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some meal ideas where this salad can shine:
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With sushi rolls or rice paper spring rolls – The light freshness complements the dense rice and seaweed.
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Next to grilled tofu or tempeh – Adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, savory protein.
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With grain bowls – Serve alongside brown rice, quinoa, or soba noodles for a full meal.
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On top of sandwiches or wraps – Adds texture and zing to veggie burgers or wraps.
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As a picnic or potluck side – Travels well and stays crisp, making it perfect for outdoor dining.
Zero-Waste Tips
As a plant-based food blogger or eco-conscious cook, it’s important to consider how we can minimize waste even when cooking simple dishes. Here are a few zero-waste tips for this salad:
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Use the cucumber ends and carrot tops: Instead of tossing the ends, save them for making homemade vegetable broth.
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Reuse your dressing leftovers: The sesame-ginger dressing works great as a marinade for tofu or drizzle over grain bowls.
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Store veggie scraps: Collect your veggie peels and trimmings in a freezer bag for composting or broth-making.
Global Inspiration, Local Ingredients
Although the flavor profile of this dish is inspired by Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese and Korean salad dressings—it’s made entirely with accessible, everyday ingredients. That’s part of what makes it such a great addition to any food blog or recipe collection. You’re offering your readers an international flair without requiring them to shop at a specialty store.
Food blogging is all about giving your audience something they can replicate and enjoy in their own homes, and this salad delivers exactly that. Whether your readers are experienced cooks or just starting their plant-based journey, this recipe is approachable, quick, and incredibly satisfying.
Conclusion
This Cucumber Carrot Salad is more than a side dish, it’s a showcase of what plant-based eating can be: quick, beautiful, wholesome, and delicious. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for anyone who wants to eat cleaner without sacrificing taste or texture.
From weekday lunches to weekend gatherings, this dish fits seamlessly into any mealtime. And with endless ways to customize it and integrate it into various cuisines, it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. The next time you’re reaching for something light, fresh, and full of life, this salad will be ready to deliver.