This Asian carrot salad is a light, refreshing side dish inspired by the viral TikTok recipe. With thinly shaved carrots, a sesame-soy vinaigrette, and crunchy toppings, it’s colorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare. This recipe celebrates simple ingredients and shows how vegetables can shine with the right flavors!
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up your Kitchen Game
To make this recipe even easier, check out these videos to learn how to:
Learn how to slice and dice like a pro in our Knife Skills 101 course!
Culinary Tips for the Best Asian Shaved Carrot Salad
● Use a Y shaped vegetable peeler: This creates thin carrot ribbons for a beautiful
presentation.
● Toast your sesame seeds: Lightly toasting enhances flavor and adds crunch.
● Dress just before serving: Carrots hold up well, but for best texture, toss with
vinaigrette shortly before eating.
● Adjust sweetness & acidity: Taste the dressing and tweak with more honey or vinegar
to your liking
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
● Carrots: Sub or add cucumber or zucchini ribbons.
● Sesame Seeds: Use roasted almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, or omit for
nut-free.
● Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar works best, but apple cider vinegar can substitute.
● Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free.
● Honey: Sub with maple syrup or agave.
Asian Carrot Salad Variations
● Peanut Carrot Salad: Use peanut butter in the dressing for a creamy version.
● Carrot & Cucumber Salad: Mix in shaved cucumber ribbons for extra crunch and
freshness.
Equipment Recommendations
For recipe success, use the following tools:
● Vegetable Peeler – for thin ribbons
● Mixing Bowl – to toss dressing and carrots
● Whisk – for making vinaigrette
● Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accuracy
Check out our essential equipment guide to stock your kitchen with ALL the tools you need to
prepare anything and everything!
Health Benefits of Carrot Salad
This recipe highlights fresh vegetables, heart-healthy fats, and nutrient-dense seasonings.
Carrots
Carrots provide beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants that support eye health and immunity.
and contributes to feelings of fullness.
Sesame oil & Seeds
Sesame oil and seeds add unsaturated fats and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce (or tamari) contributes umami flavor choosing low-sodium keeps it heart-friendly.
Herbs & Aromatics
Cilantro, ginger, and garlic boost flavor and provide phytonutrients that promote health and fight
disease. Ginger may help lower blood sugar levels, aid weight loss, treat nausea, and prevent
heart disease.
Explore our Ingredient Guide for more tips on choosing the freshest, most flavorful picks for your
recipes. Because great ingredients = great food! 🌟🌟
How to Serve
Serve this salad as a side to roasted fish or on rice bowls. It’s also perfect for potlucks or as a
refreshing addition to an Asian-inspired meal.
Learn how to build a healthy balanced meal with our Whole Life Plate, meal plan, and book!
Storage Tips
Store undressed carrot ribbons and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss
just before serving. Once dressed, salad is best enjoyed the same day.
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out, leave us a review, and tell us what changes you made! We love hearing how you make it
your own.
FAQ Questions:
How do I make carrot ribbons for this salad?
Use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into thin ribbons. This creates the light, delicate texture that makes the salad visually appealing and helps the dressing coat evenly.
Is this Asian carrot salad vegan?
It can be. Simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the recipe fully vegan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari provides a similar savory flavor while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
What proteins pair well with carrot salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu, or edamame. It also works great as a topping for rice bowls or grain bowls.
Asian Carrot Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (~½ teaspoon)
- 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- Dash red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4–5 large carrots, peeled into ribbons with a vegetable peeler (~4 cups)
- 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave carrots into long ribbons. Add to bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro before serving. Enjoy!
