Carrot Salad

Carrot salad is making waves on social media for good reasons—it’s not only nutritious but also deliciously vibrant. This quick 10-minute recipe mixes fresh carrots, cilantro, and crunchy peanuts, all tossed together with a sweet and salty dressing for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an excellent choice whether you’re looking for a light snack or a stunning side dish.

Ingredients:

• Whole Carrots (thinly sliced into ribbons)
  • Use regular carrots instead of baby carrots to get long, beautiful ribbon slices.
  • Lay the carrot on a cutting board and use a vegetable peeler to slice from top to bottom.
  • Don’t throw away the leftover carrot pieces! Use them for vegetable stock, compost, or enjoy them as a snack with ranch dressing or peanut butter.
• Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
  • Add the cilantro at the end of your salad prep to keep it fresh and vibrant.
• Peanuts (chopped)
  • You can switch these out with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
• Soy Sauce
• Toasted Sesame Oil
  • Make sure to use toasted sesame oil, not regular sesame oil, for a richer flavor. Toasted sesame oil is dark brown, whereas regular sesame oil is clearer.
• Maple Syrup (or sweetener of choice)
  • Feel free to use agave syrup, honey, monkfruit sweetener, or sugar as alternatives.
• Rice Vinegar
  • Mirin or plain vinegar can be used as substitutes if needed.
• Minced Garlic Clove
  • Finely mince the garlic with a knife, garlic press, or grater. 
  • If you’re not a fan of raw garlic, you can use ¼ tsp of garlic powder instead.
• Hemp Seeds (optional)
  • These add extra nutrients to your salad.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • Both brown or black sesame seeds work well.
• Salt and Pepper

Nutritional Benefits: 

This carrot salad isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits. Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Especially high in Vitamin A, carrots are great for supporting healthy vision.

Directions:

Prepare the Salad: Place the carrot ribbons in a large bowl. Add soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and garlic. Use tongs to mix everything until the carrots are evenly coated with the dressing.

Add Crunch and Freshness: Toss in the peanuts and cilantro for that extra crunch and a burst of freshness. Mix well.

Hemp Seeds for a boost of nutrients: I like to sprinkle in about a 1 teaspoon of hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are a great source of omega-3’s and protein, and adding it won’t alter the overall flavor or taste of the dish.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a final touch. Serve your carrot salad immediately for the best flavor.

How to Serve Carrot Salad:

• As a Light Snack: Enjoy this salad on its own for a quick and healthy bite.
• As a Stunning Side Dish: Pair it with your favorite protein such as roast chicken, steak, or a burger for a more substantial meal.

Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly:

• This dish is fully vegetarian and vegan, making it a versatile option for any diet.
• Pair it with braised or seared tofu, chickpea stew, or any vegetarian or vegan entrée of your choice for a complete meal.

Carrot salad is a fantastic way to enjoy something light yet fulfilling. Its ease of preparation and the vibrant mix of ingredients make it a joy to create and a delight to eat. Give this recipe a try for your next meal or gathering, and enjoy the crunch and zest of each bite!