Easy Cucumber Slaw

$To make this crunchy slaw, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 medium carrot, julienned - 1 red bell pepper, finely sliced - 3 green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds, for garnish These ingredients create a bright and refreshing dish. The cucumbers and carrots give a crisp texture, while the bell pepper adds color. The dressing blends sweet and savory flavors together. If you're missing some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a tangy kick. - Swap honey for agave syrup if you need a vegan option. - Instead of sesame oil, try olive oil for a lighter taste. - If you don’t have fresh cilantro, parsley works well too. These substitutions can change the flavor but still keep the slaw tasty. Add these garnishes to elevate your slaw: - Chopped peanuts for crunch - A squeeze of lime juice for zest - Red pepper flakes for some heat - Extra cilantro or green onions for freshness These optional garnishes make the slaw more exciting. Feel free to mix and match to find what you love best. Want to dive deeper? Check the Full Recipe for more tips! Start by gathering your vegetables. You will need 2 large cucumbers, 1 medium carrot, 1 red bell pepper, and 3 green onions. Thinly slice the cucumbers. Julienne the carrot into thin strips. Finely slice the red bell pepper. Chop the green onions. Place all these vegetables in a large mixing bowl. This mix gives the slaw a colorful and crunchy base. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This dressing adds tang and sweetness to the slaw. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Make sure all the veggies get coated evenly. Add 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until mixed well. Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes. This wait allows the flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch. You can find the full recipe for more details. Cutting vegetables well makes your slaw look nice. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For cucumbers, slice them thinly. This helps them stay crunchy. When cutting carrots, julienne them into thin strips. A mandoline can help with even slices. Always keep your fingers tucked in. This keeps you safe while cutting. To boost the flavor of your slaw, let it sit. After mixing, rest it for 10 minutes. This helps the veggies absorb the dressing. Add lime juice for a zesty kick. If you like spice, try a pinch of chili flakes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint also add great taste. Cucumber slaw is a great side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish. Try serving it with tacos for a fresh crunch. You can also use it in sandwiches. For a fun twist, top your burgers with the slaw. This adds flavor and brightness to every bite. {{image_2}} You can use many veggies for cucumber slaw. Try adding radishes for a spicy kick. Shredded cabbage offers a crunchy texture. You can also use zucchini or jicama for a fresh twist. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Just remember, keep the cuts thin for the best crunch. The dressing can change the whole dish. Swap rice vinegar for lime juice for a zesty taste. Try adding a splash of chili oil for heat. Honey can be replaced with agave for a vegan option. Each change brings new flair to the slaw. Experiment until you find your perfect mix. Want a more filling dish? Add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Tofu works great for a plant-based option. Chopped nuts can add crunch and protein too. These additions make the slaw a full meal. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner side. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your cucumber slaw fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. I like to use glass containers since they don’t stain. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. When stored properly, cucumber slaw can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, it may start to lose its crunch. If you notice any browning or mushy veggies, it’s time to toss it. Freezing cucumber slaw is not a good idea. Cucumbers have high water content. When frozen, they become mushy when thawed. This will ruin the texture of your slaw. It’s best to enjoy it fresh. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Yes, you can make Easy Cucumber Slaw ahead of time. It stays fresh for a few hours. If you want to prepare it even earlier, store the vegetables and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving. This keeps the slaw crunchy and tasty. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water. They help keep you hydrated. They are also rich in vitamins K and C. Cucumbers can aid digestion and support heart health. Plus, they are great for skin health. Eating cucumbers can help you feel full too. To adjust the spice level, add more or less of the soy sauce. For extra heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Cucumber slaw pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, and fish. It adds a nice crunch to sandwiches and wraps too. You can serve it alongside rice dishes or as a fresh topping for burgers. Its crispness complements rich flavors nicely. Easy cucumber slaw is fresh, tasty, and simple to make. We covered the right ingredients and creative swaps. You now know how to prepare veggies, make a delicious dressing, and mix flavors well. I shared helpful tips and fun ways to serve slaw with different veggies and proteins. Remember to store it right for maximum freshness. With all this knowledge, you can make cucumber slaw a hit at any meal. Enjoy your cooking!$

Revitalize your taste buds with this crispy cucumber refreshment! This delightful recipe combines sliced cucumbers, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect side dish or light snack. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in just 20 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 medium carrot, julienned

1 red bell pepper, finely sliced

3 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Start by preparing the vegetables: place the sliced cucumbers, julienned carrot, red bell pepper, and chopped green onions in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and soy sauce until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture, ensuring all the veggies are coated evenly.

Add the fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.

Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the cucumbers to soften slightly.

Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and finish with an extra squeeze of lime if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4