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Spring Vegetable Sesame Salad

This salad combines crisp, refreshing carrots and cucumbers with toasted sesame seeds, creating a vibrant dish with a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. It is dressed with a sesame-based dressing, resulting in a bright, flavorful salad that highlights the fresh, seasonal produce. The final appearance features colorful vegetable shreds coated in golden sesame seeds with a glossy dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Spring
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium carrots peeled and julienned
  • 2 small cucumbers halved lengthwise and sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds white or black, for toasting
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce adds umami flavor
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil for dressing
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for tang
  • optional fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Toasting pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Begin by toasting the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally until golden and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
    2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  2. While the seeds cool, peel the carrots and julienne them into thin strips, then thinly slice the cucumbers and place both into a large mixing bowl.
    2 medium carrots, 2 small cucumbers
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar to create a bright, tangy dressing.
    3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  4. Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables, then toss gently with tongs or a spoon until everything is evenly coated and shiny.
  5. Add the toasted sesame seeds to the salad and give it one last gentle toss to distribute the seeds evenly.
    2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch and flavor.
    optional fresh cilantro

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding toasted chopped nuts or a squeeze of lime. Best enjoyed fresh to maintain the vegetable crunch.