Cucumber and Carrot Salad

 Crunchy & Refreshing Cucumber and Carrot Salad

Looking for a light, bright, and utterly delicious side dish or healthy snack? Say hello to our vibrant Cucumber and Carrot Salad! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and has the perfect crunch to satisfy any craving. It’s the ideal dish for a summer barbecue, a quick weekday lunch, or just to add a splash of color to your plate.

Why You'll Love This Salad

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes!

• Super Refreshing: The cucumber provides a cooling crispness.

• Nutrient-Packed: Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A.

• Versatile: Pairs well with almost any main course.

Ingredients

This simple salad requires just a handful of fresh ingredients.

For the Salad

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced or chopped

• 3 medium carrots, grated or julienned

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or mint

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for a kick!)

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bring this delightful salad to life:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, grated carrots, chopped cilantro (or mint), and red onion slices.

2. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (more lime for tartness, more honey for sweetness).

3. Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the vegetables are lightly coated with the dressing.

4. Chill (Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing.

5. Serve: Give the salad one last quick toss before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe At a Glance

Here is a quick summary of the steps for easy reference.

Component	Steps	Estimated Time
Preparation	Slice cucumbers, grate carrots, chop herbs, and slice onion.	10 minutes
Dressing	Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl.	3 minutes
Assembly	Combine vegetables and dressing. Gently toss.	2 minutes
Chilling	Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.	15-20 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these ideas!

• Add Protein: Throw in some cooked chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a complete meal.

• Different Crunch: Sprinkle with peanuts, sesame seeds, or toasted almonds right before serving.

• Spicier Kick: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the dressing.

• For Meal Prep: Keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients. Combine them just before serving to maintain maximum crunch!

This is a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Don't forget to share a photo of your finished salad and tell us your favorite variation in the comments!