Name: Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4–5 rainbow carrots, shaved into ribbons; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp honey or maple syrup; 1 clove garlic, grated or minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 1–2 scallions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp crushed peanuts or almonds (optional)

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Shaved rainbow carrot sesame salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish that brings together the natural sweetness of colorful carrots with a nutty sesame dressing. It’s the kind of salad that feels light but still packed with flavor and texture. I love making this when I want something beautiful, healthy, and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad turns something as simple as carrots into a show-stopping dish. The rainbow colors make it look amazing on the plate, and the sesame dressing adds that rich, toasty flavor that balances perfectly with the fresh crunch. It’s a great side dish for just about any meal, and it also works well as a light lunch or snack.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rainbow carrots (shaved with a peeler or spiralized)
Toasted sesame oil
Rice vinegar
Soy sauce
Honey or maple syrup
Garlic (grated or minced)
Ginger (fresh, grated)
Sesame seeds (toasted)
Scallions (sliced, for garnish)
Crushed peanuts or almonds (optional, for extra crunch)

Directions

I peel the rainbow carrots and use a vegetable peeler to shave them into thin ribbons. If I’m using a spiralizer, I make sure the strands are short enough to eat easily.
In a small bowl, I whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger until smooth and well combined.
I toss the shaved carrots with the dressing in a large bowl, making sure everything is evenly coated.
I sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced scallions over the top.
If I want more texture, I add crushed peanuts or almonds just before serving.
I serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 as a side dish. It takes me 10–15 minutes to prepare from start to finish. No cooking is required, which makes it perfect for busy days or warm-weather meals.

Variations

Sometimes I add cucumber ribbons or thinly sliced bell peppers for even more color and crunch. I’ve also tossed in edamame or shredded cabbage for a heartier salad. For a spicy twist, I add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. And if I want to turn it into a meal, I top it with grilled tofu, shrimp, or chicken.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The carrots stay crisp, but the dressing can make them softer over time. I give everything a quick toss before serving again. This salad is meant to be eaten cold, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

Can I use regular orange carrots?

Yes, I’ve made this many times with regular carrots. Rainbow carrots just add extra color and visual appeal, but the flavor works the same.

How do I shave the carrots thinly?

I use a vegetable peeler and run it down the length of each carrot to create ribbons. A mandoline or spiralizer works too, just make sure the pieces aren’t too thick.

Is the sesame dressing strong?

It’s flavorful but balanced. The toasted sesame oil gives it richness, but the vinegar and soy sauce lighten it up. I adjust the amount of honey or vinegar depending on my taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prep the dressing and shave the carrots ahead, then toss everything together just before serving. It’s best fresh, but can sit for a little while in the fridge.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, if I use maple syrup instead of honey, it’s completely vegan. All the other ingredients are plant-based and super clean.

Conclusion

Shaved rainbow carrot sesame salad is a quick, colorful, and flavorful dish that always impresses. I love how simple it is to put together, and the sesame dressing brings everything to life. Whether I serve it as a side or make it part of a larger meal, this salad adds a fresh, crunchy twist that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.

Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad

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Shaved rainbow carrot sesame salad is a bright and refreshing side dish featuring crisp carrot ribbons tossed in a savory, nutty sesame dressing. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and bursting with flavor and texture.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

4–5 rainbow carrots, shaved into ribbons
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1–2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp crushed peanuts or almonds (optional)

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Instructions

Peel the rainbow carrots and shave them into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
Place shaved carrots in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss well to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Add crushed peanuts or almonds if using.
Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.