Carrot Cucumber Salad

This crunchy salad is a vibrant blend of thinly sliced cucumbers, julienne carrots, and toasted sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Bursting with freshness and flavor, it’s a delightful addition to any meal, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of colorful goodness. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this simple yet sensational creation!

The Health Benefits of Carrot Cucumber Salad

• Hydration Boost: Cucumber’s high water content helps keep you hydrated, supporting overall health and vitality.

• Gut-Friendly Goodness: Greek yogurt dressing provides probiotics for digestive health and immune support.

• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Carrots and lemon juice offer a rich source of antioxidants, combating inflammation and promoting cell health.

• Heart-Healthy Fats: Sunflower seeds contribute healthy fats that support cardiovascular health and help reduce cholesterol levels.

• Fiber-Rich Fare: With a blend of fiber-rich veggies and seeds, this salad aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports weight management.

• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Each ingredient brings essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to the table, nourishing your body from the inside out.

Ingredients for Carrot Cucumber Salad

• Baby Cucumbers: Their tender crunch and sweet flavor make them ideal for slicing without peeling, saving time and enhancing texture.

• Carrots: Fresh and firm, carrots provide vibrant color and a hint of sweetness when thinly sliced or julienned.

• Sunflower Seeds: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness, sunflower seeds add depth to the salad without overwhelming other flavors.

• Parsley: Finely chopped parsley not only garnishes but also adds a burst of freshness to the salad.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, Greek yogurt forms a luscious base for the dressing, offering richness and a hint of acidity.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing, balancing the creaminess and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Honey: A touch of honey provides natural sweetness, rounding out the flavors of the dressing.

• Garlic: Minced garlic adds savory depth to the dressing, enhancing its complexity with a subtle kick of flavor.

• Grainy Mustard: Offering texture and a hint of pungency, grainy mustard elevates the dressing with its unique flavor profile.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and chili flakes add the perfect finishing touch, balancing the flavors with just the right amount of heat and seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:

• Wash and dry 2 baby cucumbers and 1 carrot. Trim the ends of the cucumbers and thinly slice them. Julienne the carrot.

Toast Sunflower Seeds:

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 2 tbsp sunflower seeds until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Prepare Dressing:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 150g Greek yogurt, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tbsp honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grainy mustard, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste. Whisk until well combined.

Assemble Salad:

• Add sliced cucumbers, julienned carrots, and toasted sunflower seeds to the bowl with the dressing.

Toss Gently:

• Using a spoon or salad tongs, gently toss the vegetables and sunflower seeds with the dressing until evenly coated.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the salad with chopped parsley for freshness and color.

• Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Substitutions

• Instead of Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream for a creamier texture.

• Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as substitutes for honey in the dressing.

• If you don’t have grainy mustard, you can use Dijon mustard or regular mustard, adjusting the quantity according to taste.

Tips & Tricks:

• Pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding them to the salad. This helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.

• Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become golden brown and fragrant. This enhances their nutty flavor.

• For an extra crunch, you can add thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers to the salad.

FAQs:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing separately ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated in separate containers and combine them just before serving for the freshest taste.

How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the cucumbers may release moisture over time.

Can I customize the dressing to suit my taste preferences? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the quantities of lemon juice, honey, mustard, and spices in the dressing to suit your taste.

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