This Crunchy Carrot Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing side dish bursting with bold, Asian-inspired flavor. Crisp cucumber and crunchy carrots are tossed in a savory garlic honey soy sauce for a summer salad that’s perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or a simple weeknight side. Naturally hydrating, easy to make, and ready in minutes!
Why You'll Love this Carrot Cucumber Salad:
- Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in about 10 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
- Light & Crunchy: Refreshing cucumbers and crisp carrots make this the ultimate hydrating summer salad.
- Naturally Vegan-Friendly: Just swap the honey for agave to make it 100% plant-based.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- English Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing with minimal seeds and less moisture. Slice cucumber thin for the best texture.
- Matchstick Carrots: Add crunch, color, and natural sweetness.
- Green Onion: Adds subtle sharpness and texture.
- Sesame Seeds – Optional, but a great topping for an extra light bit of crunch.
- Garlic Honey Soy Dressing – A bold, tangy-sweet blend of soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic that soaks into the veggies and ties it all together.
Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:
This carrot cucumber salad is naturally dairy-free, low-carb, and vegetarian, and easy to adapt for most dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. (I always keep a bottle of Kikkoman's Gluten-Free Soy Sauce in the fridge!)
- Vegan: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Low-Sodium: Use a low-sodium soy sauce and reduce or omit added salt.
- Low FODMAP: Skip the garlic and green onion to make this salad low-fodmap friendly.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Carrot Cucumber Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and/or a drizzle of sriracha for a kick.
- Sesame-Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger and a splash of sesame oil to the dressing.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in roasted peanuts, cashews, or crispy wonton strips for extra crunch and texture.
- Make it a Light Meal: Serve this salad over rice with shrimp, salmon, or chicken for a light main dish.
How to Make Carrot Cucumber Salad:
- Prep the veggies: Slice cucumbers very thin, pat dry with paper towels, and combine with matchstick carrots and green onions in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust to preference.
- Toss & finish: Pour dressing over the veggies, toss to coat, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chill to let the flavors meld.
Tips for Success:
- Pat cucumbers dry: This helps prevent a watery salad and keeps the crunch intact.
- Use English cucumbers:They have less seeds which makes them perfect for Asian cucumber salads such as this.
- Slice cucumbers thin: Thin slices absorb the dressing better while giving this salad a soft crunch.
- Adjust to taste: Like it sweeter or saltier? Tweak the soy sauce and honey balance to your liking.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Make Ahead: Prep the salad and dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Toss just before serving to keep everything crisp.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad will soften slightly but still taste delicious.
FAQs:
Yes! It’s low in calories, hydrating, and packed with vitamins like A and C from carrots and cucumbers.
You can, but English cucumbers have fewer seeds and less water, which helps keep the salad crisp and less watery. If using regular cucumbers, use a spoon to scoop out the extra seeds.
Simply swap the honey in the dressing for a vegan substitute, such as maple or agave syrup.
Yes! Thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas would add extra crunch and color.
More Cucumber Salads You Will Love:
- Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing
- Easy Cucumber Pasta Salad with Feta and Dill
- Gluten-Free Cucumber & Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Recipe
Carrot Cucumber Salad with Garlic Honey Soy Sauce
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups sliced English cucumber
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
For the Garlic Honey Soy Dressing:
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Slice cucumbers and carrots thinly. Pat cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Make dressing: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Toss salad: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, carrots, and green onions. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- This salad is naturally vegetarian and dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative such as gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Vegan: swap the honey in the dressing for maple or agave syrup.
- Nutritional information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.
Nutrition
Tried This Carrot Cucumber Salad recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this ultra-flavorful, easy dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, Orlando travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Must Love Garlic says
Very very easy and simple to make. Makes a great quick Asian-inspired side dish.