Cucumber Carrot Salad with Sesame Dressing

A bowl of carrot and cucumber salad with sesame seeds, accompanied by a side of dressing.

5 from 2 votes

Cucumber Carrot Salad with Sesame Dressing

Enjoy the freshness of this Asian-inspired Cucumber Carrot Salad. Make this crunchy, flavor-packed salad in less than 20 minutes for a refreshing summer picnic dish.

Prep Time20

Total Time1

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: Asian

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: Servings

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Kate O'Malley

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers
4 large carrots peeled
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
1½ tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup soy sauce
2 spring onions thinly sliced
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds reserve some for garnish
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds reserve some for garnish
¼ cup fresh mint plus some for garnish

Instructions

Cut the cucumbers and carrots into thin matchsticks, approximately 2 inches long by 1/4 inch thick. You can use a mandoline to make this process faster and julienne the vegetables evenly.
Place the carrots and cucumbers in a large bowl—large enough to toss the vegetables without spilling.
Whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, and olive oil.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and carrots and stir well to coat the vegetables and mix them up.
Add the spring onions, half the sesame seeds, and chopped mint leaves and toss again. Garnish with more black and white sesame seeds and whole mint leaves.
Enjoy immediately or chill until ready to serve. I prefer to let the carrots and cucumbers marinate for at least an hour. It’s best to serve this salad the day it’s made, as the cucumber will continue to release water and soften as it sits.

Notes

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Herbs: If you can find it, Asian Basil is a great alternative to mint, or you could use cilantro.
Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or chili oil to the dressing, or you could add some thinly sliced radish which will give some heat and extra crunch.
Add a Fresh, Tangy Kick: Add freshly grated ginger and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, tangy kick that will brighten the overall flavor.
Cutting Your Veggies: You could also cut the cucumber and carrot ribbon style using a vegetable peeler for a different look and a more delicate salad.

Expert Tips

Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad in the refrigerator for an hour or so allows the vegetables to soak up the flavors.
Garnish Wisely: Reserve some of the fresh mint sesame seeds for garnish but add them right before serving to maintain their vibrant colors and textures.
Thin, Even Slices: A mandoline slicer can help slice your cucumbers and carrots into thin, evenly sized pieces for a consistent texture and a visually appealing salad.

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