Cucumber Carrot Salad

Cucumber Carrot Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Delight

When summer hits and fresh produce fills the markets, there’s nothing quite like a crisp, vibrant salad to brighten up your meals. This Cucumber Carrot Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing concoction that dances on your palate, offering a perfect medley of textures and flavors. I remember the first time I made this salad—it was for a sunny picnic with friends, and the fresh, crunchy bites were an instant hit. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, looking for a quick weeknight dinner side, or simply need a light lunch, this recipe is your go-to.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

This Cucumber Carrot Salad is special for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that’s both nutritious and budget-friendly. The cooling crunch of fresh cucumbers combined with the natural sweetness of carrots is a flavor pairing that everyone loves—even the pickiest of eaters.

"I made this salad for a backyard BBQ, and it disappeared within minutes! It’s so fresh and delicious, and everyone wanted the recipe!" — Sarah, satisfied home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating this salad is simpler than you might think! You’ll combine fresh, diced cucumbers and grated carrots with a zesty dressing that ties everything together. Here’s your quick overview of what to expect:

1. Combine diced vegetables.
2. Whisk together the dressing.
3. Toss the salad and serve.

Ready to dig in? Let’s gather our ingredients!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Cucumber Carrot Salad:

• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 2 large carrots, grated
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of spice

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

Cooking Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, grated carrots, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. If you love a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
4. Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Way to Serve

This Cucumber Carrot Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, or fish to create a refreshing summer plate. It also stands out as a perfect side for picnic spreads, barbecues, or even vegetarian main courses. For an added flair, consider garnishing with toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy topping.

Storage Tips

Wondering how to keep your leftover salad fresh? Cucumber Carrot Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain the salad’s crispness. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider prepping the ingredients but hold off on combining them with the dressing until just before serving!

Expert Advice

To elevate your salad game, remember these pro tips:

• Choose firm cucumbers for maximum crunch. If you find they’re too watery, you can remove the seeds before dicing.
• Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor. Mint or dill can substitute for parsley if you want to try something different.
• For a heartier version, throw in some chickpeas or quinoa.

Creative Twists

Put your personal stamp on this salad with these fun variations:

• Add sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Swap out the apple cider vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter taste.
• Toss in some crumbled feta for a creamy addition or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

Preparation is quick! You can have this salad ready in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dish.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

While the salad can be made ahead, I’d recommend preparing it no more than a day in advance and storing the dressing separately to retain its delightful crunch.

This Cucumber Carrot Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of freshness and simplicity that deserves a spot at any table. Enjoy making this recipe, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!

Cucumber Carrot Salad

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing cucumber and carrot salad, perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 2 large carrots, grated
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of spice

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, grated carrots, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing separate to maintain crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cucumber salad, carrot salad, summer salad, healthy salad, vegetarian