Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish! This Crunchy Cucumber Carrot Salad is the perfect blend of crisp textures and vibrant, refreshing flavors. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s incredibly simple to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and bursting with a zesty, tangy dressing, you’ve come to the right place. It’s a versatile dish that brightens up any meal, from a summer barbecue to a simple weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Cucumber Carrot Salad
There are so many reasons to adore this simple salad. It’s a go-to recipe in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
- Incredibly Quick: You can whip this salad up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meal prep.
- So Much Texture: The combination of crisp cucumbers and crunchy carrots is irresistibly satisfying.
- Healthy & Hydrating: Made with fresh vegetables, this salad is light, hydrating, and packed with nutrients.
- Versatile Vinaigrette: The sweet and tangy dressing is simple to make and complements the veggies perfectly, but you can easily customize it.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to create a show-stopping side dish.
For the Salad
- English Cucumbers: These are ideal because they have thin skin and minimal seeds, providing the best crunch without any bitterness.
- Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are essential for that signature crunch. Julienned or shredded, they add color and sweetness.
- Red Onion (Optional): A little bit of thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, delicious bite that cuts through the sweetness.
For the Sweet & Tangy Vinaigrette
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a mild, slightly sweet acidity that forms the base of our dressing.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the vinegar. You can also use honey.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a layer of tangy complexity.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make the Perfect Crunchy Cucumber Carrot Salad
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect salad every time. The key is in the preparation of the vegetables to ensure maximum crunch.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing your cucumbers and carrots. Thinly slice the cucumbers and julienne the carrots into thin, matchstick-sized pieces. If using, thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumbers, julienned carrots, and red onion together.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the rice vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Pour about half of the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss to coat. Add more dressing as needed until the salad is dressed to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right away. You can also let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
A few simple tricks can take your Crunchy Cucumber Carrot Salad from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are your best bet. Their thin skins don’t require peeling, and their smaller seeds mean they hold less water.
- Julienne for Crunch: While you can shred the carrots, julienning them (cutting into matchsticks) provides a superior, crunchier texture that holds up better in the dressing.
- Don’t Overdress: Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed. Too much dressing will make the vegetables soggy. You want to coat them, not drown them.
Delicious Variations to Try
This salad is a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to make it your own!
- Add a Protein Boost: Toss in some chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp to turn this side into a light main course. For a delicious chicken recipe, check out this Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
- Bring in Some Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Nutty & Crunchy: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or sunflower seeds add another layer of texture and flavor.
- Creamy Version: For a creamy dressing, mix Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with a splash of vinegar, a little sugar, and fresh dill.
What to Serve with Your Salad
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses. It’s the perfect cooling contrast to spicy dishes and a refreshing addition to grilled foods.
- Grilled Meats: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Serve it as a side with a hearty Chicken Avocado Melt or your favorite sandwich.
- Barbecue Favorites: It’s a must-have at any cookout, pairing beautifully with burgers, ribs, and pulled pork.
How to Store This Salad
For the best and crunchiest results, this salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the cucumbers will soften over time as they release water. If you plan to make it ahead, store the vegetables and the dressing in separate containers and combine them just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can do some prep in advance. Chop the vegetables and mix the dressing, but store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Combine and toss them together right before you plan to serve the salad.
The key is to use English or Persian cucumbers, as they have less water content. Also, avoid dressing the salad too far in advance. For best results, toss the salad with the vinaigrette just before serving.
This salad is best eaten the same day it is made for maximum crunch. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will soften over time.
Yes, it is very healthy! It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins and fiber from the fresh carrots and cucumbers. The simple vinaigrette is much lighter than creamy, store-bought dressings.
A light vinaigrette is a popular choice. We recommend a simple dressing made with rice vinegar, olive oil, a touch of maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and complements the fresh vegetables without overpowering them.
More Refreshing Salad Recipes
If you love this easy salad, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other favorites! For a hearty and healthy option, our Greek Chickpea Salad is always a winner. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep.
The Easiest Crunchy Cucumber Carrot Salad Recipe
Crunchy Cucumber Carrot Salad (Quick & Refreshing!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing your cucumbers and carrots. Thinly slice the cucumbers and julienne the carrots into thin, matchstick-sized pieces. If using, thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumbers, julienned carrots, and red onion together.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the rice vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Pour about half of the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss to coat. Add more dressing as needed until the salad is dressed to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right away. You can also let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
If you plan to make it ahead, store the vegetables and the dressing in separate containers and combine them just before serving.
Share This Recipe!
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