Creamy Cucumber Carrot Salad

Fresh, crunchy cucumbers and sweet shredded carrots tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with red onion, dill, and sesame seeds. It’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish for lunch or dinner.

 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned or grated
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds, optional

For the Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried dill, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables

Slice the cucumbers thinly and julienne or grate the carrots.

Thinly slice the red onion.

If your cucumbers are especially watery, sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Make the creamy dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried dill

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine

Place the cucumber, carrots and red onion in a large bowl.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables.

Add the fresh dill and sesame seeds.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Give it another gentle toss just before serving.

Sprinkle with additional dill and sesame seeds.

⭐ Tips for the Best Salad

• Use English or Persian cucumbers for a crisp texture and fewer seeds.
• Don’t skip draining very watery cucumbers—the dressing can become diluted.
• For extra crunch, julienne the carrots instead of finely grating them.
• Fresh dill gives the salad a much brighter flavor.
• Add the dressing shortly before serving if you want maximum crunch.

🌿 Optional Additions

Try adding:

• Sliced avocado
• Green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Chopped cilantro
• Radishes
• Thinly sliced bell pepper
• Crumbled feta
• Sunflower seeds

🥜 Nut & Allergy Information

• Nuts: No tree nuts or peanuts are required.
• Dairy: Contains Greek yogurt.
• Eggs: May contain egg through mayonnaise.
• Gluten: Naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified gluten-free.
• Soy: Some mayonnaise or Dijon mustard brands may contain soy.
• Sesame: Contains sesame seeds, which are a major allergen.
• For a nut-free preparation, check mayonnaise, mustard and other packaged ingredients for cross-contact information.

❓ Q&A

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. For the crunchiest texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely. Sour cream makes the dressing extra rich and creamy.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use an unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and dairy-free mayonnaise.

How can I make it more tangy?
Add another teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, boiled eggs, tuna, chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken can turn this into a more substantial meal.

How long does it last?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will gradually release more water as they sit.

What should I serve it with?
It’s delicious alongside grilled chicken, fish, burgers, roasted potatoes, kebabs or sandwiches.