Creamy Cucumber Carrot Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- Extra dill for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the vegetables
- Wash cucumbers.
- Slice them thinly.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the dressing
Whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix until smooth.
3. Assemble
Combine:
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Red onions
- Dill
Pour dressing over the vegetables.
Toss gently until evenly coated.
4. Garnish
Sprinkle with:
- Black sesame seeds
- White sesame seeds
- Extra fresh dill
5. Chill
Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Values vary depending on ingredient brands and serving size.
Nut Information
Nut-Free Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Red onions
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Dill
- Garlic
- Sesame seeds (not tree nuts)
Allergy Notes
- Contains: Dairy (Greek yogurt), Egg (if mayonnaise is used), Mustard (Dijon), Sesame.
- Does Not Contain: Peanuts or tree nuts unless cross-contamination occurs.
- If serving someone with food allergies, always verify ingredient labels for potential cross-contact.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly.
- Not recommended for freezing.
Tips
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds.
- Salting the cucumbers helps keep the salad crisp.
- Add sliced radishes for extra crunch.
- Mix in feta cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a complete meal.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes. Sour cream creates a richer, tangier dressing.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
Yes, if you omit the honey and use full-fat yogurt.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise.
Q: How do I keep it from getting watery?
Salt the cucumbers first, drain them well, and pat dry before mixing.
Q: Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, tofu, or chickpeas all pair well.
Q: Can I use dried dill?
Yes. Substitute 2 teaspoons dried dill for 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
