This carrot ribbon salad recipe shaves carrots into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler, then tosses them in a sesame-soy dressing with a spoonful of chili crisp. This easy viral carrot salad takes about 15 minutes and has become one of the most shared side dishes for turning a basic vegetable into something genuinely eye-catching.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Side dish, salad
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Ribbon Salad
- This carrot ribbon salad turns an everyday vegetable into a genuinely striking side dish.
- Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- The sesame-soy-chili crisp dressing delivers big flavor from simple pantry ingredients.
- Budget-friendly and easy to scale up for a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 large carrots
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili crisp
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
How to Make Carrot Ribbon Salad
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into thin ribbons.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili crisp.
- Toss the carrot ribbons with the dressing.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
- Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Carrot Ribbon Salad
- Use a sturdy vegetable peeler for this carrot ribbon salad recipe to get long, even ribbons.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes so the carrots soften slightly and soak up the dressing.
- Adjust the chili crisp amount to control the heat level.
- Use fresh, firm carrots for the best ribbon texture.
Variations to Try
- Add thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch.
- Swap chili crisp for a drizzle of sriracha if that’s what you have on hand.
- Top with crushed peanuts for added texture.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the carrots soften over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shave carrots into ribbons instead of shredding?
Ribbons create a more visually striking, elegant presentation compared to shredded carrots, and they hold the dressing well without becoming mushy.
Can I make carrot ribbon salad ahead of time?
Yes, though it’s best enjoyed within a day, since the carrots continue to soften the longer they sit in the dressing.
What can I use instead of chili crisp?
A mix of chili oil and crushed red pepper flakes works as a substitute if you don’t have chili crisp on hand.
Is this carrot ribbon salad recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan as written, using only plant-based ingredients.