Carrot Ribbon Salad with Sesame Dressing

Name: Carrot Ribbon Salad with Sesame Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 large(s) carrots (peeled into ribbons (use a vegetable peeler)); ¼ small(s) red onion (very thinly sliced); ½ cup(s) fresh cilantro (roughly chopped); 1/4 cup(s) roasted salted peanuts (roughly chopped, plus more for topping); 2 teaspoon(s) sesame seeds; 2 tablespoon(s) soy sauce ((gluten-free if preferred)); 2 tablespoon(s) rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon(s) toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon(s) maple syrup or agave; 1 teaspoon(s) fresh ginger (minced or grated, optional but recommended); 1 clove(s) garlic (grated or minced); Pinch(s) crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Carrot Ribbon Salad with Sesame Dressing

This Carrot Ribbon Salad is my take on the viral TikTok hit. Thin strips of carrot are tossed in a tangy soy-sesame dressing, then finished with fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts for the perfect punchy, crunchy bite. It’s bold, bright, and surprisingly satisfying, especially when eaten with chopsticks like noodles. I love it as a quick side, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a light meal topped with tofu.

My Notes:

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Prep Time15

Total Time15

Meal Type: Dressings & Sauces, Lunch, Salads, Sides

Keyword: carrot, carrot ribbon salad, salad

Special: 30 Minutes or Less, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly

Tool: Mixer/Handmixer

Ingredient: Carrots

Showcase: What's Trending

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the salad:

4 large(s) carrots peeled into ribbons (use a vegetable peeler)
¼ small(s) red onion very thinly sliced
½ cup(s) fresh cilantro roughly chopped
1/4 cup(s) roasted salted peanuts roughly chopped, plus more for topping
2 teaspoon(s) sesame seeds

For the dressing:

2 tablespoon(s) soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
2 tablespoon(s) rice vinegar
1 tablespoon(s) toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon(s) maple syrup or agave
1 teaspoon(s) fresh ginger minced or grated, optional but recommended
1 clove(s) garlic grated or minced
Pinch(s) crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat

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Instructions

Prepare the salad: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into long, thin ribbons. Add them to a large bowl along with the red onion, cilantro, peanuts, sesame seeds, and any optional ingredients you're using.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften slightly. Toss again before serving and finish with an extra sprinkle of peanuts and sesame seeds.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The carrots will soften slightly but stay delicious.

Oil-free? Omit the sesame oil and add more sesame seeds to taste.

Optional additions:

Thinly sliced cucumber or radish for crunch
Roasted salted cashews instead of peanuts
A splash of lime juice for extra zing
Thai basil or mint instead of cilantro
Sliced green onion
Tofu bites, air-fryer tofu cubes, or vegan chicken pieces to make it a meal

Nutrition

Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and Hashtag #easyveganmealplan