Sweet Honey Dijon Cucumber Carrot Salad
The Perfect Summer Cucumber Carrot Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy side dish that comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, this Sweet Honey Dijon Cucumber Carrot Salad is going to become a favorite. Paper-thin slices of crisp cucumbers and sweet carrots are lightly salted then tossed in a homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette. This is made with rice vinegar, avocado oil, honey, brown sugar, and a blend of savory seasonings. As the salad rests, the vegetables absorb all of that sweet and tangy flavor, creating a refreshing side that somehow tastes even better the next day.
I came up with this Sweet Honey Dijon Cucumber Carrot Salad when I was having some friends over. I was making a steak dinner and wanted something fresh to serve alongside the meal. One of my friends always requests my cucumber salad. My friend’s wife can’t eat raw onions, so I started thinking about another vegetable that would add that same satisfying crunch.
Thinly sliced carrots ended up being the perfect addition. They add a little sweetness, beautiful color, and a wonderful texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp cucumbers. Tossed in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is light, refreshing, and just a little different from the classic cucumber salad we all know and love. I think it might even become your new favorite version.
Here Are Ways To Customize
One of my favorite things about this salad is how easy it is to customize with whatever you have in the refrigerator. Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery bite. Celery brings even more crunch. Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and a pop of color. If onions aren’t an issue, paper-thin slices of sweet onion or red onion are always a classic addition. You could also toss in thinly sliced sugar snap peas, shredded cabbage, or even broccoli slaw for extra texture. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives are a great finishing touch. If you want to make it a little heartier, a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds adds a delicious crunch.
Other Vinaigrettes To Use
One of the best things about this dressing is that it’s easy to adapt to whatever vinegar you already have in your pantry. Rice vinegar gives the salad a light, mellow tang that lets the fresh vegetables shine. Apple cider vinegar is another excellent choice if you prefer a little more zip. Apple Cider Vinegar also has some great health benefits. White wine vinegar creates a bright, clean flavor, while champagne vinegar is slightly more delicate and subtly sweet. Even white balsamic vinegar works beautifully, adding just a touch more sweetness without overpowering the cucumbers and carrots.
Choose Your Own Oil
When it comes to the oil, choose one with a mild flavor so it doesn’t compete with the sweet honey Dijon dressing. Avocado oil is one of my favorites because it’s light and neutral, but grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or a light olive oil all work wonderfully as well. I would avoid a robust extra virgin olive oil for this recipe since its peppery flavor can overpower the delicate vegetables and the sweet, tangy vinaigrette.
Ideas To Make This Spicy
One variation I’m already planning to make is adding one of my favorite finds from the grocery store salad bar. They have a spicy marinated red pepper and garlic salad that has just the right amount of heat. I think it would be absolutely delicious tossed into this cucumber carrot salad. The sweet honey Dijon dressing would balance the spice perfectly while the marinated peppers and garlic would add another layer of flavor. If you’re someone who likes a little kick in your salads, this is an easy way to make this recipe feel a little more bold and exciting.
A Few Recipes That Would Make Great Pairings
This Sweet Honey Dijon Cucumber Carrot Salad is one of those side dishes that goes with just about everything. Whether you’re grilling steaks, burgers, chicken, pork chops, or serving sandwiches for a casual lunch, this crisp and refreshing salad adds the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and crunch. Below are some of my favorite recipes to pair with it, and I think you’ll find it makes a wonderful addition to almost any meal.
Sweet Honey Dijon Cucumber Carrot Salad Recipe
Sweet Honey Dijon Cucumber Carrot Salad is a crisp, refreshing side dish made with paper-thin cucumbers and carrots tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade vinaigrette. The longer it sits, the more the vegetables soak up the dressing for a lightly pickled flavor that's perfect for cookouts, potlucks, meal prep, or an easy addition to any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced very thin
- 2 large seedless (English) cucumbers, sliced very thin
- 1/2 small sweet onion, sliced paper thin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
FOR THE SWEET HONEY VINAIGRETTE
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or any mild tasting oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 to 2 teaspoons celery seed
- 1 to 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Using the slicing attachment on a box grater or mandoline, slice the carrots and cucumbers paper thin. If using onion, slice it very thin as well.
- Add the vegetables to a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss well and let the vegetables sit for 20 to 30 minutes to lightly macerate.
- While the vegetables are resting, whisk together the avocado oil, rice vinaigrette, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Let the dressing sit while the vegetables finish resting so the flavors can meld.
- If the vegetables have released a lot of liquid, gently drain it off or pat them lightly with paper towels. Add the vinaigrette and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit in the dressing for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate. The flavor becomes even better after several hours, taking on a lightly pickled taste that is absolutely delicious.
Notes
- A box grater with a slicing blade makes quick work of getting the vegetables perfectly thin.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The longer it sits in the dressing, the more flavorful and lightly pickled the vegetables become.
- Fresh chopped dill or parsley is a delicious addition if you'd like a little extra freshness.