Carrot Sesame Salad

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This Carrot Sesame Salad is the kind of dish that instantly lifts a meal. It’s light, fresh, and crunchy with a deep nutty flavor from toasted sesame oil and seeds. The bright orange ribbons of carrot soak up a tangy, slightly sweet vinaigrette that brings everything together. It’s simple to make, but the flavor is anything but basic.

Whether you need a side for grilled meats, want to brighten up a lunch spread, or just crave a healthy snack, this salad delivers. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prepping because it actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Sesame Salad

It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and packed with flavor. The dressing uses pantry staples, and the texture of the shaved carrots holds up beautifully, making this a go-to salad for any day. The toasted sesame adds depth while the vinegar cuts through with a welcome zing. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegan, which makes it perfect for sharing.

What Kind of Carrots Should I Use?

Any fresh, firm carrots will work here. Large carrots are easiest to peel into long ribbons, which is ideal for this dish. You can also use pre-shredded carrots in a pinch, but they won’t soak up the dressing quite the same way. Try to avoid baby carrots, as their shape and texture aren’t great for shaving.

Ingredients for the Carrot Sesame Salad

The ingredients are minimal but each one brings something essential. This combination creates a salad that’s bright, savory, and nutty all at once.

• Carrots
• Sesame seeds
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Maple syrup
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Scallions

How To Make the Carrot Sesame Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Peel the carrots and use a vegetable peeler to shave them into long, thin ribbons. Place them in a large bowl.

Step 2: Toast the Sesame Seeds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden and fragrant. This brings out their nuttiness. Let them cool.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Taste and adjust to your preference.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the carrots. Add the toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Toss well to coat evenly.

Step 5: Let It Marinate

Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. It gets even better if you let it chill in the fridge for an hour.

How to Serve and Store This Salad

This Carrot Sesame Salad serves about 4 people as a side dish. It holds up great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers just as exciting. If you want to serve it at a gathering, prep it a few hours ahead to let the carrots marinate fully.

What to Serve With Carrot Sesame Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The smoky char of grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh, tangy crunch of the salad.

Sticky Teriyaki Salmon

Sweet, umami-rich salmon and the sesame salad make a balanced, bold combo.

Fried Tofu

For a plant-based meal, serve this with crispy tofu for added protein and texture.

Peanut Noodles

This salad makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of cold or warm peanut noodles.

Kimchi Fried Rice

The sweet and sour balance of the salad plays beautifully against spicy fermented rice.

Seared Steak Slices

Tender steak and carrot salad make a high-protein lunch or dinner that doesn’t feel heavy.

Rice Paper Rolls

Use the salad as a filling or serve it alongside fresh spring rolls for a vibrant platter.

Miso Soup

Add a warm, umami-packed broth like miso soup to round out a cozy and nourishing meal.

Want More Salad Ideas with Global Flair?

If this Carrot Sesame Salad inspired your taste buds, you might love these flavor-packed recipes too:

• Easy Chicken Fried Rice
• Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you need a light and flavor-packed side.

I’d love to hear what twist you added to make it your own. Did you go spicier? Add crunchy nuts? Feel free to share in the comments and help others mix it up.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting salads and sides on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new favorites!

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