Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant Asian Cucumber Salad with Carrots – a dish so refreshing and packed with flavor, it'll make your taste buds dance with excitement! In just 10 minutes, you can transform simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish or a light appetizer that will impress your guests, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers and carrot thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the cucumbers into uniform, translucent rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Peel the carrot and use a julienne peeler or sharp knife to cut the carrot into thin, matchstick-like strips.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the sliced cucumbers and julienned carrots to the dressing, gently tossing to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Let the salad marinate at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant.
Tips
- Slice Consistently: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure uniform, thin cucumber and carrot slices. This not only looks professional but helps the vegetables absorb the dressing evenly.
- Chill for Extra Crispness: For an even more refreshing experience, you can refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving. This will enhance the crisp texture and make the flavors more pronounced.
- Customize Your Heat: Want to add a kick? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a small amount of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy twist.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest vegetables possible for maximum crunch and flavor. Look for firm cucumbers and bright, crisp carrots.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on the sesame seeds – they add a wonderful nutty flavor and beautiful visual appeal to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 51kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
