Cucumber Carrot Salad with Sesame Seeds and Asian Gochugaru Dressing Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make Cucumber Carrot Salad featuring crisp julienned vegetables tossed in a zesty sesame-lemon dressing with a touch of Korean red chili flakes. Perfect as a light side dish or a base for adding protein for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad 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 for an Asian flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), adjust for heat
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar (or maple syrup/agave)
Optional Add-ins (choose 1–2)
- Thin carrot ribbons
- Sliced green onion
- Chopped roasted peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Prep veggies: Wash and dry the cucumber and carrots. Julienne or thinly slice the cucumber and julienne or finely shred the carrots evenly for a consistent crunch.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar until the mixture appears slightly emulsified and glossy, about 2 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared cucumber, carrot, parsley, and minced garlic. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad.
- Toss & finish: Toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are coated with the dressing. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and toss again gently so the salad shines and is speckled with sesame.
- Rest (optional): Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately for maximum crispness.
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: Keep vegetables and dressing separate for up to 24 hours and toss just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Adjust heat by using less gochugaru or substituting with red pepper flakes.
- To boost protein, add chickpeas, grilled shrimp, or tofu.
- Swap parsley with mint or cilantro for a different flavor profile; a squeeze of lime adds an extra Asian-inspired brightness.
- Pairs well with steamed rice, pan-seared tofu, salmon, grilled chicken, dumplings, or lettuce wraps.
Keywords: Cucumber Carrot Salad, Asian salad, no-cook salad, sesame dressing, healthy side dish, easy salad, Korean chili flakes, summer salad
