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Carrot and Cucumber Salad with Spicy Dressing Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Carrot and Cucumber Salad tossed in a flavorful spicy dressing made with miso, soy sauce, and a hint of chili flakes. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad combines crisp veggies with a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy dressing, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled
  • 1 large English cucumber (or 3-4 Persian cucumbers)
  • 2 green onions

Dressing

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sweet white miso paste
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional for no heat)
  • 1/2 tsp lime zest

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (black and white, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the veggies: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly slice the peeled carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Aim for uniform thin slices for better texture and presentation.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sweet white miso paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, red chili flakes (if desired for heat), and lime zest until smooth and well combined.
  3. Finish: Pour the dressing over the sliced vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the veggies are evenly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro over the salad before serving for an added crunch and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Sweet white miso paste adds a unique umami flavor; if unavailable, you can substitute with yellow miso but flavor will vary slightly.
  • Adjust red chili flakes to set the heat level to your preference or omit completely for a milder salad.
  • To toast sesame seeds, heat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; dressing may separate so toss again before serving.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/carrot-and-cucumber-salad-with-spicy-dressing-recipe/