Cucumber Carrot Salad

This easy Italian-inspired cucumber carrot salad recipe is made with fresh herbs, grated carrots, and thinly sliced cucumbers. It comes together in under 10 minutes and is tossed in a tangy, light apple cider vinaigrette. No mayo in this recipe!

10-minute cucumber carrot salad recipe

You guys love my salad recipes, so here is another one you need to try! This cucumber and carrot salad is incredibly refreshing and packed with flavor. The combination of the crisp cucumbers, grated carrots, fresh herbs, and a zesty apple cider vinaigrette make it a perfect choice for hot summer days or when you crave a light dish.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, BBQ, or simply craving a light and nutritious salad, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. I made this recipe for the Fourth of July, and boy, was it a hit. Everyone was asking me for the recipe!

My favorite part about this grated carrot and cucumber salad is that it is easy to make in under 10 minutes. You can enjoy it any time of year, and it goes well with any main dish: chicken, fish, salmon, tofu, BBQ, burgers, and so much more.

I love that this carrot and cucumber salad recipe is Italian-inspired. Most recipes on the internet are Aisian-inspired and call for sesame oil, sesame seeds, ginger, and soy sauce. That’s why this is the best recipe – it’s different, made with a vinaigrette, and so delicious!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• This salad takes a couple of minutes to make.
• Filled with fresh veggies and lots of herbs.
• Made without mayo!
• Tossed in a tangy, light homemade apple cider vinaigrette.
• The salad is made with crisp vegetables and is very refreshing.
• Italian inspired.
• The perfect healthy meal prep lunch.
• This recipe is 100% gluten-free and vegan.
• No lettuce in this salad!
• Light, low-calorie dish.
• Try this spicy cucumber salad or Greek chickpea pasta salad next!

Ingredients and substitutions

This no-mayo carrot and cucumber salad recipe calls for simple and fresh ingredients. It’s tossed in a homemade tangy apple cider vinaigrette and packed with fresh herbs. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:

Cucumber and carrot salad:

• Cucumber: You can use English cucumbers or garden cucumbers. Make sure to slice them thinly.
• Carrots: Use freshly grated carrots for a vibrant burst of color and natural sweetness in the salad. You’ll need about 2 – 3 large carrots.
• Fresh Dill: Fresh dill adds an herbaceous flavor to the salad. Make sure to chop it finely and sprinkle it over the salad for a burst of freshness.
• Chives: The chives add a mild onion-like flavor. You can also use extra green onion as a substitute.
• Spring Onions: They are also called green onions. Adding sliced spring onions adds a hint of sharpness to the salad. Incorporate both the white and green parts.

apple cider vinaigrette:

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Make sure to use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil since it’s packed with healthy fats and makes the dressing extra smooth.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. It helps balance the richness of the oil and adds a splash of acidity. If needed, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This helps brighten up the dressing with its zesty and citrusy notes, adding a refreshing touch to the overall flavor.
• Cold Water: Next, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of cold water to the dressing to help dilute and balance the flavors. This ensures that the dressing is the right consistency.
• Minced Garlic: This adds the best garlicky taste to the apple cider vinaigrette.
• Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy and a slight kick to the dressing. You cannot taste it, the mustard helps enhance its depth of flavor.
• Honey: Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the dressing, adjusting the amount based on your desired level of sweetness. The honey adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the other flavors in the salad.
• Salt & Pepper: Adjust to your taste preference.

How to make cucumber carrot salad

This is the best cucumber carrot salad recipe. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make it. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.

Step 1:

Start making this recipe by peeling the cucumbers and slicing them into thin pieces. You can use either a knife or a mandoline to achieve this.

Step 2:

Ater that, peel the carrots and grate them using a box grater; I recommend using the largest setting.

Step 3:

Then combine the cucumber slices, grated carrot, dill, chives, and spring onion in a large mixing bowl

Step 4:

Next, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette in a small bowl or measuring cup.

Step 5:

Finally, pour the vinaigrette dressing over the cucumbers and carrots in the mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats the vegetables. I always recommend tasting the salad and adjusting the seasonings according to your preference.

You can serve the salad immediately, or for enhanced flavor and a chilled experience, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Recipe tips and variations:

1. Use a julienne peeler or mandoline: I reccomend using a julienne peeler or mandoline slicer to ensure your cucumber slices are even. This method helps achieve uniform shapes and sizes.
2. Allow flavors to meld: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
3. Add lettuce: I love that this recipe is lettuce-free, but if you want to add more volume, feel free to add chopped romaine hearts or your favorite lettuce.
4. Customize with toppings: Consider adding toppings like toasted nuts, seeds (such as sunflower or sesame seeds), crumbled feta cheese, or avocado slices to add extra texture and flavor to the salad.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste: I always reccomend that my readers taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or any other seasonings to achieve the desired flavor balance.

What to serve with cucumber and carrot salad:

This cucumber carrot salad goes well with so many dishes. Here is a list of serving suggestions:

• Chicken – try this classic grilled chicken, this balsamic feta stuffed chicken, or these air fryer chicken sausages.
• Fish – you have to serve cucumber carrot with this everything bagel crusted salmon, crispy pesto salmon, air fryer tilapia, or this blackened salmon.
• Barbecue or Grilled Meats – Whether it’s ribs, steak, or burgers, this cucumber carrot salad adds a refreshing element to a barbecue or grilled meat spread. The cool and crisp salad provides a contrast to the smoky and savory flavors.
• Shrimp – try this grilled bbq shrimp or these Baja shrimp tacos.
• Tofu – You have to try pasta salad with this crispy vegan tofu schnitzel or these super crispy tofu bites.
• Sandwiches and Wraps – Use the cucumber and carrot salad as a fresh and crunchy topping for sandwiches and wraps. It adds texture and a burst of flavor to classics like turkey or chicken wraps, veggie burgers, or falafel pitas.
• Burgers – It’s Summer, and pasta salad is perfectly paired with burgers. Try these grilled turkey burgers (keto), these air fryer chicken burgers, these cilantro lime chicken burgers, or these vegetarian no-bean veggie burgers.
• Picnic or Potluck – The salad is an excellent addition to picnics or potlucks. It complements sandwiches, wraps, grilled items, and other salads, providing a refreshing and healthy option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best substitute for spring onions?

Chives are the best substitute for spring onions since they have a similar mild onion flavor. Alternatively, you can use the green tops of regular green onions for a similar flavor profile and visual appeal.

What’s the best substitute for chives?

If you’re looking for a substitute for chives, green onions (scallions) are a great option. They have a mild onion flavor with a hint of freshness, similar to chives. Finely chop the green tops of green onions and use them in the same way you would use chives to add a pop of flavor to your dishes.

What’s the best substitute for apple cider vinegar?

Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar is the best substitute for apple cider vinegar. They both have similar levels of acidity and a mild, fruity flavor.

Can I prepare the cucumber carrot salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cucumber carrot salad up to 2 days in advance. Since there is no lettuce in this salad, you can store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long does cucumber carrot salad stay fresh?

Cucumber carrot salad is best enjoyed fresh within a day or two of preparation. The vegetables tend to release moisture over time, making the salad soggy. If you want to store the salad for longer, it’s recommended to keep the vegetables and dressing separate and combine them just before serving.

Is there mayo in this recipe?

There is no mayonnaise in this recipe since this carrot and cucumber salad with tossed in a light apple cider vinaigrette.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this grated carrot and cucumber salad is 100% gluten-free.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this cucumber carrot salad is 100% vegan.

Can I customize the cucumber carrot salad with additional ingredients?

Absolutely! Cucumber carrot salad is versatile, and you can customize it according to your taste preferences. For added flavor and texture, you can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, avocado, feta cheese, or toasted nuts. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique variation of the salad.

Can I use a different type of salad dressing?

I used a simple homemade apple cider vinaigrette; however, you can use a different type of dressing if you prefer. While the traditional dressing includes olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, you can experiment with other dressings like a tangy vinaigrette, green goddess dressing, a creamy yogurt-based dressing, or a spicy peanut sauce. Adjust the flavors according to your taste, and enjoy the salad with your preferred dressing.

Is cucumber carrot salad a healthy option?

This cucumber carrot salad recipe is a healthy dish for many reasons. It’s packed with fresh vegetables that provide essential nutrients and dietary fiber. The salad is low in calories and fat, making it a light and refreshing choice.

Are carrots low in FODMAP?

Carrots are generally considered low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). According to the Monash University FODMAP app, carrots have been tested and are considered low FODMAP in moderate serving sizes. However, it’s important to note that sensitivity to FODMAPs can vary among individuals, so it’s always recommended to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice regarding your specific dietary needs.

Can you freeze cucumber carrot salad?

No, do not freeze this salad. Freezing can cause the vegetables to become watery and lose their crisp texture.

How to store leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the salad might become slightly soggy as the vegetables release moisture over time; that’s why I recommend enjoying the leftovers within a day or two for the best taste and texture.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Thai Mango Salad
• Spicy Cucumber Salad
• Kale Crunch Salad (chick-fil-a copycat)
• Broccolini Salad

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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