Fresh Carrot and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Carrots: Fresh medium carrots are key for a sweet crunch. If you’re short on time, baby carrots can be used instead—just slice them thin!

Cucumber: I prefer English cucumbers because they’re less bitter and have fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, a regular garden cucumber works fine too. Just peel if the skin feels tough!

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice will do, but fresh is always best!

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds depth. You can swap it with any light oil like avocado oil or even sesame oil for a different flavor.

Sweetener: I often skip the honey or maple syrup, but it adds a nice touch of sweetness. If you want to avoid sugar, just leave it out.

How Do I Properly Julienne Vegetables?

Julienning gives the carrots and cucumbers a nice, elegant look while making them easy to eat. Here’s how you do it:

• For carrots: Cut the peeled carrot into 2-3 inch segments, then slice each piece lengthwise into thin strips. Group the strips together and slice them again to create matchstick shapes.
• For cucumbers: Simply cut the cucumber lengthwise into quarters, then slice across to create thin pieces, or follow the same julienne method as the carrots!

This technique helps your salad look professional and ensures even dressing coverage! Remember, sharper knives make cutting easier and safer.

Fresh Carrot and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Garnish (optional):

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
• 1 tablespoon toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare in total. You’ll need about 5 minutes for chopping the carrots and cucumber, and about 10 minutes to mix everything together and let it sit. It’s quick to make and perfect for a fresh side dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Vegetables:

Start by peeling the carrots. After that, julienne or thinly slice them. For the cucumber, slice it thinly or julienne it as well. Once you’ve prepared both, place them in a large mixing bowl for mixing later.

2. Making the Dressing:

Grab a small bowl and combine the lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix it all together until well combined.

3. Combining the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the carrots and cucumbers in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure every piece gets coated in that zesty dressing!

4. Adding Fresh Herbs:

If you like, add the fresh parsley or cilantro to the salad. Toss lightly once more to mix it in, adding a burst of color and flavor!

5. Letting it Sit:

Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together, making it taste even better.

6. Garnishing:

Right before serving, feel free to sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts on top for an extra crunch that you’ll really enjoy.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Whether chilled or at room temperature, this salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with any meal. Enjoy the lightness and freshness of each bite!

Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Salad?

Absolutely! You can mix in other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even leafy greens like spinach. Just remember to keep the sizes similar for even mixing and presentation!

Can I Make This Salad in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time! Just keep it in the fridge without the dressing. When you’re ready to serve, add the dressing and toss to combine.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The veggies may become a bit softer, but the flavors will still be delicious!

Is There a Vegan Substitute for Honey?

Yes! You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener instead. Alternatively, you can simply omit the sweetener entirely if you prefer a less sweet salad.