Shaved Cucumber Carrot Almond Salad (Printable)
Crisp shaved cucumber and carrot tossed with toasted almonds and a creamy sesame dressing—bright, quick, and satisfying.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 large cucumbers, ends trimmed
02 - 3 medium carrots, peeled
03 - 2 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula)
→ Nuts & Seeds
04 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
05 - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black), toasted
→ Sesame Dressing
06 - 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
07 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin as needed
13 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Garnish
14 - Fresh cilantro or mint leaves
# How-To Steps:
01 - Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave the cucumbers and carrots into long, thin ribbons.
02 - Arrange the shaved cucumbers, carrots, and mixed baby greens in a large salad bowl.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
04 - Drizzle the sesame dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Scatter the toasted sliced almonds and sesame seeds over the top of the salad.
06 - Finish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of shaved ribbons and creamy tahini dressing makes every bite feel like something youd order at a trendy cafe.
- Zero cooking means your kitchen stays cool and you get to eat in under twenty minutes flat.
02 -
- Salt the shaved cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for five minutes if they seem watery, otherwise your dressing turns into a puddle at the bottom.
- Tahini seizes and gets thick when it meets cold liquid straight from the fridge, so use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest result.
03 -
- Warm the tahini in the microwave for ten seconds before whisking because it blends much more willingly when it is not stone cold.
- Double the dressing and keep the extra in a jar in the fridge for up to a week because it works on grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and even as a dip.