Dessert

Cucumber Carrot Salad with Spicy Garlic Dressing Recipe

Name: Cucumber Carrot Salad with Spicy Garlic Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced; 2 large carrots, julienned or finely shredded; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or cilantro); Optional: carrot ribbons, chopped green onion; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes); 1 tsp soy sauce; ½ tsp sugar or maple syrup; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; Optional: roasted peanuts or cashews

Byreem everly January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

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Introduction

This Cucumber Carrot Salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish inspired by Asian flavors. With a spicy, garlicky dressing and colorful veggies, it’s ready in just 15 minutes and perfect for warm weather meals.

A plate holds a colorful salad made of thin, curled slices of green zucchini and orange carrot, arranged in a loose mound with the slices overlapping each other. The vegetables look fresh and glossy, coated with small seeds, likely sesame, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and tiny red chili flakes that add texture and color. The plate is white with a thin brown rim, set against a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the fresh, crisp texture of the vegetables, creating a vibrant and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
2 large carrots, julienned or finely shredded
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or cilantro)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
1 tsp soy sauce
½ tsp sugar or maple syrup
Optional: carrot ribbons, green onion, chopped roasted peanuts or cashews

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and dry the cucumber and carrots. Julienne or shred them evenly for a consistent texture.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar until the dressing is glossy and well combined.
Step 3: Combine the cucumber, carrot, parsley, and minced garlic in a large bowl.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl.
Step 5: Toss everything together thoroughly so all the veggies are coated with the dressing.
Step 6: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the salad and toss once more to distribute them evenly.
Step 7: Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if preferred.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, reduce the gochugaru or substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Try adding carrot ribbons or chopped green onions for extra color and flavor.
Top with roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch and richness.
To turn this salad into a full meal, add chickpeas, grilled tofu, or cooked shrimp.
Make ahead by keeping the dressing and vegetables separate for up to 24 hours, then toss before serving.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To maintain crispness, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving. Reheat is not necessary; it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a fresh salad made of two main layers: thin, curled green cucumber ribbons with dark green edges and smooth pale green centers, mixed with thin, slightly twisted orange carrot ribbons. The salad is topped with small white sesame seeds, tiny red chili flakes, and finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly over the vegetables. The texture looks shiny and moist, and the ingredients are piled high in the center of the bowl, creating a colorful, fresh, and appetizing look. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of cucumber and carrot?

Yes, you can substitute or add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or celery to suit your taste.

Is gochugaru spicy? What can I use if I don’t have it?

Gochugaru has a mild to moderate heat with a slightly smoky flavor. If you don’t have gochugaru, you can use red pepper flakes or mild chili powder as a substitute, adjusting the quantity to your heat preference.