Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side. The combination of crisp carrots, fresh herbs, and a tangy sesame dressing makes it both refreshing and flavorful.

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
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• For the dressing:
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: Julienne the carrots using a sharp knife or food processor and place them in a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped scallions, cilantro, and basil to the carrots and toss to combine.
4. Step 4: In a blender or food processor, combine the dressing ingredients—sesame oil, rice vinegar, Tamari, white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, garlic, and ginger—and blend until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss well to evenly coat.
6. Step 6: Chill the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline or food processor to julienne carrots quickly and evenly.
• Add toasted chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for extra crunch.
• Substitute fresh basil with mint for a different herb twist.
• Adjust sriracha to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier salad.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The carrots will stay crisp, and the flavors will continue to develop. Toss well before serving. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, making it a few hours ahead or the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it chilled and toss before serving.

What can I substitute for white miso?

If you don’t have white miso, you can use yellow miso or a small amount of soy sauce with a touch of tahini for a similar depth of flavor.

Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad featuring 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 sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. This salad is easy to prepare and chilled before serving to meld the flavors beautifully.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp low sodium Tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp white miso
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 1 tsp coconut sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Additional

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for toasting)

Instructions

1. Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Julienne Carrots: Using a sharp knife or food processor, julienne the peeled carrots into thin, matchstick-like pieces. Transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Herbs: Add the finely chopped scallions, cilantro, and basil to the bowl with the carrots. Toss gently to mix the fresh herbs evenly throughout the carrots.
4. Prepare Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the sesame oil, rice vinegar, low sodium Tamari, white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Toss Salad: Pour the freshly blended dressing over the carrot and herb mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand of carrot is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use low sodium Tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
• Chilling the salad for longer than one hour can deepen the flavors further.
• This salad can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
• For added crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts like cashews or almonds.

Keywords: carrot salad, sesame salad, julienned carrots, Asian salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, fresh herbs salad, easy side dish