Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe
This vibrant Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad features julienned carrots tossed with fresh herbs and a flavorful sesame-based dressing. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the dressing combines sesame oil, rice vinegar, miso, and a hint of sriracha for a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes. It’s a refreshing, healthy side dish that is quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp low sodium Tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tsp white miso
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp coconut sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Other
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for toasting)
Instructions
- Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry pan over medium heat and toast the sesame seeds, stirring frequently, until they turn golden and emit a fragrant aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Carrots: Using a sharp knife or a food processor, julienne the peeled carrots into thin matchstick-like strips. Place the carrot shreds into a large mixing bowl.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Scallions: Finely chop the scallions, cilantro, and basil, then add them to the bowl with the julienned carrots. Toss everything gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine sesame oil, rice vinegar, low sodium Tamari, white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Blend until you achieve a smooth and well-emulsified dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot and herb mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
Notes
- Julienning carrots by hand may take some practice; a food processor with a julienne blade can speed up the process.
- For extra crunch, add sliced almonds or chopped peanuts as garnish.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to taste for desired spice level.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Low sodium Tamari is used to reduce salt content and add depth of flavor; regular soy sauce can be substituted if needed.
Keywords: carrot salad, sesame salad, healthy side dish, Asian salad, gluten free salad, vegan salad, rainbow carrot, fresh herbs, easy dressing