This Fresh Carrot and Cucumber Salad is crisp, colorful, and super easy to make! With sweet carrots and cool cucumbers, it’s a refreshing side for any meal.
Adding a splash of lemon juice makes it even better! I often whip this up when I want something light—just chop, mix, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Fresh carrots are the star of this salad! I prefer using sweeter varieties like baby carrots for a more tender texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use pre-shredded carrots.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are great for salads because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you can’t find them, slicing regular cucumbers works too! Just scoop out the seeds if they’re large.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. If you don’t have lemons, you can use lime juice or even vinegar (like apple cider or rice vinegar) for a different kick.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This is optional and can be swapped with sugar or left out if you prefer a tangy salad. Agave syrup is another good alternative!
Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a hint of freshness, but you can use mint for a unique flavor. Dried herbs work too, but go easy as they are more concentrated.
How Do I Prepare Vegetables for Salad?
Properly prepping your vegetables ensures a great texture and taste. Here’s how to do it:
- Julienne Carrots: Use a knife or box grater. If using a knife, slice thin rounds, then cut each round into strips.
- Slicing Cucumbers: Thinly slice cucumbers, either using a knife or a mandoline for even slices. Aim for a thickness similar to the carrots.
- Mixing the Salad: When combining everything in a bowl, gently toss the carrots and cucumbers to keep them crunchy while evenly coating them with dressing.
Allowing the salad to rest for a while lets the flavors blend beautifully. Enjoy this fresh and crunchy salad! It’s such a joy to make and share!
Fresh Carrot and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned or grated
- 1 large cucumber, peeled if desired and thinly sliced or julienned
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts (optional for crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fresh salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld together. Overall, you can have this vibrant salad ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by peeling the carrots and julienning or grating them into thin strips. Next, peel the cucumber if you’d like, then thinly slice or julienne it. Place both the carrots and cucumber in a large mixing bowl, ready to be dressed.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if you want a touch of sweetness), salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the dressing is smooth.
3. Combine the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the carrots and cucumbers in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spoon or your hands to ensure all the veggies are nicely coated in the dressing.
4. Let It Sit:
Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the veggies to absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. If you like a bit of crunch, you can also add toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts at this stage.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your fresh carrot and cucumber salad as a delightful side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or on its own as a light snack. It’s so refreshing and easy to make!
Happy eating!
FAQ for Fresh Carrot and Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even thinly sliced cabbage for extra crunch and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even mixing.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan-friendly! Just skip the honey and use maple syrup if you want a bit of sweetness, or leave it out completely. The lemon juice and olive oil provide plenty of flavor on their own.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the veggies might become a bit softer over time, but it will still taste great!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to mix in the dressing until just before serving to keep the veggies crisp and fresh.
