This Sesame Carrot and Cucumber Slaw is a cool and crisp side dish perfect for hot weather! It takes about 15 minutes to make, and is vegan and gluten free!
There are times when turning on the oven is a no-go. Sometimes you just need some “no cook” foods. In fact I have a whole pinterest board dedicated to food for hot weather. That was born when I lived in Arizona and the majority of the year was unbearably hot. But even in the mild PNW, we have days or weeks that are uncomfortably hot. Enter this Sesame Carrot and Cucumber Slaw. Cool, crisp cucumbers, a refreshing dressing and most importantly, absolutely NO cooking.
I actually used a little trick to easily slice the cucumber into very thin strips – I used my spiralizer! That is right, spiralizers aren’t just for zoodles! I used the flat blade instead of the “zoodle” blade. Um, is that the technical name for it? Anyway, the flat blade or straight blade is the one to use for this application. I peeled the cucumber, but left alternating green stripes just because it is pretty. Then I cut each cucumber in half because that makes the spiralizing more manageable. The center core of the spiralizer removes the watery seeds in the middle, and it was so fast and easy! But if you haven’t gotten your hands on a spiralizer yet, use a mandolin to slice the cucumber very thin. Or if you have great knife skills, you can just use a knife, and I will be really impressed.
This Sesame Carrot and Cucumber slaw couldn’t be easier.
I would have liked to spiralize the carrots, but they are just not the right size for it. So I grated them instead. Then just salt the cucumber and let it sit in a colander for about 15 minutes, which will allow the cucumber to release some moisture. After the time is up, rinse the salt and dry the cucumber between paper towels. Then whisk together the sauce and toss everything together. Easy, peasy and before you know it, you have a cool and fresh dish without ever turning on your oven.
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| Sesame Carrot and Cucumber Slaw | Print |
- 1 pound cucumber (about two medium cucumbers)*
- 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon light soy sauce**
- 1 Tablespoon grated ginger root
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)***
- kosher salt
- Peel the cucumber leaving alternating green stripes. Cut each cucumber in half and use a spiralizer fitted with the flat blade to slice into thin strips. Or, slice thin with a mandolin or knife.
- Season liberally with salt and place in a colander for 15 minutes to drain. After 15 minutes, rinse salt off and dry cucumbers between paper towels to remove extra moisture.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar and red pepper flakes.
- Add the cucumber, grated carrot and sesame seeds, toss to fully coat.
- Taste and season with more salt if desired.
** Be sure to use gluten free soy sauce for gluten free!
*** I prefer more spice, but start with less and add more to taste.
If you make this recipe don’t forget to tag it @foxandbriar and #foxandbriar on instagram and facebook! I really love to see what you make and you may be featured in our weekly Reader Feature!
Disclaimer: I partnered Fred Meyer for this recipe, however, my opinions, as always, are 100% my own. Integrity is important to me, and I only share brands and products that I think are awesome. Thank you for supporting Fox and Briar!
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Ashlyn // Dollop Of Yum says
Love how easy and fresh this slaw looks! Whenever I get busy in the kitchen on a hot day I always get extra hot between the oven heat combined with the air temp, so I am all for no cook recipes. This slaw looks like the perfect grill side for summer!
Meghan says
Thanks so much Ashlyn!
Sarah | Well and Full says
This looks perfect for summer! I love quick dishes that don’t require any actual cooking when the weather’s hot 🙂
Meghan says
Thank you Sarah!
Jeanette says
This look delicious 🙂
Meghan says
Thanks so much Jeanette!
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Oh man! Just another reason why I need to get a spiraliser! This looks fantastic!
Meghan says
Yes! You must get one Jess, they are amazing!
Dawn at Girl Heart Food says
As soon as I saw the sesame oil, I knew that I’d not only like, but love, this recipe. That stuff is awesome! Looking forward to trying this one soon the next bbq we have 🙂
Meghan says
Yay! I know, isn’t sesame oil magic? Thank you Dawn!
karrie/Tasty Ever After says
This looks delish! Just picked up 2 seedless cukes at the store this morning so making this to go with grilled chicken on Saturday. Yummy and can’t wait to try it 🙂
Meghan says
Oh YAY! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! Thank you Karrie!
Mimi says
This salad looks wonderful. I’m buying your ingredients tomorrow – temperatures are now soaring above 100 degrees where I live!
Meghan says
oh my goodness Mimi! That is way too hot! I hope you love this dish, and that it helps cool you off!
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says
i love this! fresh slaws without mayo are totally up my alley, since i love how light they are and that they don’t need refrigeration (aka perfect for parties!).
Meghan says
Thank you Heather! Yes, they are perfect for parties!
Megan @ Meg is Well says
Slaws are such a perfect way to eat cucumbers-I love the crispness. I could see myself devouring a whole bowl.
Meghan says
Yes, cucumbers were made for this! Thanks so much Meg!
Allyson says
No cook dinners are so important for summer. Part of it is because it’s too hot to turn on the oven, but an equally large part is that it just makes everything feel more like summer. I’ll have to make this with my mandoline once the mercury starts inching up.
Meghan says
Totally agree Allyson! There is nothing better than a cold meal on a hot day!