Asian-Inspired Carrot Cucumber Slaw (Healthy Recipe)

This carrot cucumber slaw is a more exciting way to eat your vegetables when you’re in a rut or want to experiment. Sweet carrots and crisp cucumbers pair up to form the foundation for a prepared salad with Asian-inspired flavors. This tangy, sweet, and vibrant side dish may become one of your favorites. 

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• For a more colorful salad, add ½-1 cup of shredded purple cabbage or slaw mix.
• For a less sweet flavor, use shredded broccoli stalks or broccoli slaw mix instead of carrots.
• For spicy heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha.
• For a delicious lunch, try this salad in a whole-grain wrap. Add feta cheese, mozzarella, or sliced turkey to the wrap for protein. 
• Serve this with fish or tofu for a light but filling meal that’s packed with protein, healthy fat, and fiber.

Recipe for Carrot Cucumber Sesame Slaw

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 cups of shredded or grated carrots
• 1 English cucumber, lightly peeled and thinly sliced, or 2-3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons of olive or sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• ½-1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• 2-4 tablespoons of grated apple
• 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley or cilantro
• (Optional) 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

Instructions: 

1. In a large bowl, mix together the carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Drizzle the oil over the vegetables and toss to coat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, apple, parsley or cilantro, garlic, and salt and pepper. 
3. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture. Serve immediately with the sesame seeds on top, or mix the sesame seeds in and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition information per serving (¼ recipe): 80 calories; 3 grams of fat; 150 mg of sodium; 9 grams of carbohydrates; 5 grams of sugar; 2 grams of fiber; 1 gram of protein

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