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Asian Raw Carrot Salad Recipe

4.4 from 92 reviews

A light and refreshing Asian raw carrot salad featuring shaved carrot ribbons tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy dressing with hints of soy, sesame, and fresh herbs. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make side dish perfect for a healthy snack or accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 4 medium carrots (shaved into ribbons)
  • Thinly sliced scallions
  • Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
  • Crushed peanuts or toasted cashews

Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 12 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • A splash of lime or lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler or a mandolin, shave the carrots into thin, wide ribbons and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), honey or maple syrup, chili flakes, olive oil, lime or lemon juice, and salt. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance sweetness, acidity, and saltiness.
  3. Toss and Combine: Pour the dressing over the carrot ribbons. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ribbons are evenly coated. Let the salad sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs, thinly sliced scallions, and crushed peanuts or toasted cashews over the salad. Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
  • Honey can be substituted with maple syrup to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Shaving the carrots into ribbons ensures the dressing coats them well and makes the salad easier to eat.
  • Letting the salad rest briefly before serving enhances the flavor absorption.

Keywords: Asian carrot salad, raw carrot salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, healthy side dish, carrot ribbons, sesame dressing