Name: Cucumber Carrot Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber; 2 large carrots; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes); 1 tsp soy sauce; ½ tsp sugar (substitute with maple syrup or agave)

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Looking for a refreshing and vibrant salad to brighten up your meals? This Cucumber Carrot Salad is just what you need! Bursting with flavors and textures, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of crunchy cucumbers, sweet carrots, and zesty dressing creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this salad in no time.

Perfect for meal prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal option for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredient Notes:

Large cucumber and carrots add crunch and freshness to the salad.
Sesame seeds give a nutty flavor and a nice crunch.

Garlic and fresh parsley add depth and a burst of freshness to the dish.
The dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), soy sauce, and a touch of sugar (or substitute with maple syrup or agave) ties all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start by peeling and thinly slicing the cucumber and carrots.

In a bowl, mix the sliced vegetables with sesame seeds, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips:

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of gochugaru in the dressing.
Add some chopped nuts like almonds or peanuts for extra crunch.

This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use a mandoline slicer for uniform and thin slices of cucumber and carrots.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and soy sauce in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Cucumber Carrot Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving to bring out the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I omit the garlic in the salad? If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to leave it out or substitute with garlic powder.

Can I use other vegetables in this salad? Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like to customize this salad to your taste.

Conclusion:

Now that you have the recipe for this delicious Cucumber Carrot Salad, give it a try and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how you liked it!