Cucumber Carrot Salad

This Cucumber Carrot Salad is the definition of fresh and vibrant. The naturally crisp textures of spiralized cucumber and carrot make this salad irresistibly crunchy, while the light and zesty sesame-ginger dressing brings the whole dish together in just the right way. It’s a perfect option for warm days or as a colorful side to your favorite Asian-inspired meal.

What’s great about this salad is that it comes together in minutes and requires zero cooking, ideal for quick lunches or lazy dinners. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with hydrating vegetables, making it a wholesome addition to any meal prep routine or picnic table. You can even customize it with other raw veggies or herbs you have on hand.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, spiralized or julienned

• 2 large carrots, spiralized or julienned

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the cucumber and carrot by spiralizing or thinly slicing them into ribbons using a julienne peeler or mandoline.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup, and grated ginger until well combined.

3. Place the cucumber and carrot ribbons in a large bowl.

4. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.

5. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top.

6. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 85 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Crisp Cucumber & Carrot Ribbon Salad with Tangy Sesame Dressing: A Refreshing Bite of Summer

There’s something magical about raw vegetables when they’re served at their freshest. They crunch between your teeth, they hydrate, and they leave you feeling energized rather than sluggish. And that’s precisely what you get from this beautifully simple yet flavor-packed Cucumber Carrot Salad.

Crafted with two humble vegetables: cucumber and carrot, this dish is elevated by a savory-sweet sesame ginger dressing that makes each bite absolutely addictive. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or looking for a healthy side to go with a hearty vegan main, this salad delivers on every level.

A Celebration of Texture and Simplicity

Cucumbers and carrots are among the most common veggies found in home kitchens, but don’t let their ubiquity fool you, when treated right, they shine. In this salad, they’re spiralized or thinly sliced into long ribbons, turning everyday vegetables into something visually stunning. The spiralized shape increases surface area, allowing the zesty dressing to coat every bite. The result is a refreshing, crunchy texture that holds up even after refrigeration.

Even better? This salad requires no cooking. Just a cutting board, a sharp knife or spiralizer, and 10 minutes of your time. That’s it. No oven, no pan, no hassle.

Nutritional Powerhouses in Every Bite

Both cucumber and carrot offer a wealth of nutritional benefits:

• Cucumbers are more than just water-filled snacks. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals. They’re also high in water content about 95% making them an excellent food for hydration. Plus, cucumbers provide a modest amount of fiber and micronutrients like potassium and vitamin K.

• Carrots, famous for their beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), support vision health, immune function, and even skin vitality. They’re also a good source of biotin, fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants.

Together, these vegetables support digestion, hydration, and immune defense, making this salad more than just a pretty side dish—it’s functional food at its finest.

The Sesame Ginger Dressing: A Global Twist

The real hero of this salad is the dressing. The combination of toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup, and freshly grated ginger creates a medley of Asian-inspired flavors that contrast and complement the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Each element has its purpose:

• Toasted sesame oil brings a deep, nutty aroma that anchors the dish.

• Rice vinegar adds a gentle tang without overpowering.

• Soy sauce or tamari injects umami and salt.

• Maple syrup balances the acidity and umami with natural sweetness.

• Fresh ginger adds a zingy, spicy kick that refreshes the palate.

This dressing isn’t limited to this salad either. Make a big batch, it stores well in the fridge for up to a week and drizzle it over rice bowls, tofu, or roasted vegetables.

Perfect for Every Lifestyle

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is for virtually every dietary need:

• Vegan & Plant-Based: There are no animal products involved, making it fully vegan.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

• Low-Calorie: With just 85 calories per serving, this salad makes a guilt-free addition to any meal.

• Raw: This salad is entirely raw, ideal for raw food diets or days when you want to avoid the stove.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t sacrifice health for flavor, a win-win for families, foodies, and health-conscious eaters alike.

A Blank Canvas for Creativity

This salad is incredibly versatile. While it shines with just cucumbers and carrots, you can easily personalize it:

• Add crunch with crushed peanuts, slivered almonds, or crispy chickpeas.

• Add protein with baked tofu strips, tempeh, or edamame.

• Add color with thinly sliced red bell peppers, radishes, or purple cabbage.

• Add spice with a dash of chili flakes, Sriracha, or wasabi in the dressing.

Herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil can also add dimension. Want something heartier? Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles for a light meal.

Meal Prep Friendly and Picnic Perfect

One of the best features of this cucumber carrot salad is its longevity. Unlike leafy green salads that wilt quickly once dressed, this one holds its texture for hours, sometimes even overnight. That makes it ideal for:

• Meal prepping for the week ahead

• Office lunches that won’t get soggy

• Outdoor picnics or potlucks

• Road trips or airplane food prep

Make it ahead, chill it in an airtight container, and let the flavors meld for an even better experience.

Presentation Tips for Hosting or Entertaining

If you’re making this dish for a gathering or looking to impress, presentation can make all the difference. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Use a wide, shallow bowl and layer the carrot and cucumber ribbons for a “tangled” nest look.

• Drizzle the dressing right before serving for a glossy finish.

• Top with black and white sesame seeds for contrast.

• Garnish with thin slices of red chili or fresh mint leaves.

• Serve in individual mason jars for picnic-friendly, portable portions.

The colorful nature of the carrots and cucumbers ensures that this salad will stand out on any table.

Conclusion

The Cucumber Carrot Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing may be simple, but don’t mistake simplicity for plainness. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a dish that’s crunchy, hydrating, refreshing, and bursting with bold, balanced flavors.

It’s a celebration of fresh produce, perfect for those hot summer days when turning on the stove feels like a chore. It’s the dish you bring to a picnic when you want to offer something healthy that people will still reach for first. And most importantly, it’s the kind of recipe that reminds us that healthy food can be joyful, colorful, and deeply satisfying.

So next time you’re in need of a quick side dish or a light main, skip the prepackaged options and whip up this refreshing cucumber carrot salad. You’ll be amazed at how such humble ingredients can deliver so much flavor and even more nutrition.