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carrot ribbon salad recipe

Carrot Ribbon Salad Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Vegetarian

Ingredients
  

  • 5 large  carrots peeled and ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons  toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon  rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon  soy sauce 
  • 1 teaspoon  fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 clove  garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon  honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons  toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup  shelled edamame
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Lay each carrot flat on a cutting board and use a Y-peeler to shave long, wide ribbons from top to bottom. This top-notch technique creates a “noodle” texture that allows the dressing to coat every inch of the vegetable. Toss the ribbons into a large bowl, separating any that stick together to keep the salad light and airy.
  2. Peel a piece of fresh ginger and grate it into a fine paste using a microplane or the small holes of a box grater. Do the same with the garlic.
  3. In a small jar, combine the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey with your ginger and garlic paste. Whisk until the honey is dissolved and the oil has emulsified.
  4. Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Shake the pan constantly until they are golden and fragrant.
  5. Pour the dressing over the carrot ribbons and add the thawed edamame and sliced green onions. Use tongs to gently lift and turn the mixture until every strand is shiny.
  6. Transfer the salad to a shallow platter and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving. This short wait allows the carrots to absorb the ginger and sesame flavors fully, resulting in a professional-grade side dish that stays crisp and vibrant for your next meal.

Notes

  • Fridge: This salad holds up better than leaf-based salads; store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Make Ahead: You can shave the carrots and whisk the dressing 24 hours in advance, but keep them separate until 15 minutes before serving to maintain the best texture.
  • Pro Tip: If the salad settles in the fridge, give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the sesame oil and ginger paste that may have moved to the bottom.