Name: Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486877H57M29S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs (680g) carrots, peeled and ends trimmed; 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 1 1/2 tbsp low sodium Tamari (or soy sauce); 1 tbsp mild white miso; 1 tsp sriracha; 1 tsp coconut sugar; 1 tsp finely minced fresh garlic; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a side salad that’s vibrant, refreshing, and absolutely brimming with flavor, the Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is about to become your new go-to. This dish takes colorful carrots and transforms them into silky ribbons that soak up a punchy sesame-miso dressing, showered with bright herbs and a snowy sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Each bite promises a tender yet crisp texture, layers of savory and tangy flavor, and a rainbow-hued display that will turn any table into a celebration.

Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, everyday ingredients to bring your Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad to life. Each one plays a starring role, from sweet, crunchy carrots to the deeply nutty sesame seeds. You’ll love how fuss-free but perfectly balanced these pantry staples are when tossed together.

Carrots: Choose an assortment of colors for the prettiest salad and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the dressing.
Scallions: Add a gentle, oniony kick and a bit of crunch for balance.
Fresh cilantro: Offers an herby, citrusy zip that brightens the whole dish.
Fresh basil: Brings sweet, almost peppery notes that complement the sesame.
Sesame seeds (toasted): Deeply savory and just a little nutty, these add great texture and a boost of flavor.
Rice vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing and helps all the flavors pop.
Sesame oil: Lends a rich, toasted aroma that ties together the salad’s Asian-inspired character.
Low sodium Tamari (or soy sauce): This gives salty depth without overpowering the other flavors.
White miso: A gentle fermented umami base that tames the acidity and rounds out the sauce.
Sriracha: For a subtle, addictive heat that doesn’t overwhelm.
Coconut sugar: Adds gentle caramel notes and mellows the punchiness of the vinegar.
Fresh garlic (finely minced): Brings sharp, zesty undertones to the dressing.
Fresh ginger (grated): Gives a bold, bright warmth that lingers in every bite.

How to Make Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad

Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds

Heat a small pan over medium and scatter in the sesame seeds. Stir them often for 5-7 minutes, watching closely as they gently deepen to a golden brown and become fragrant. Once they release a toasty aroma and look lightly browned, remove the pan from the heat. Freshly toasted seeds have a flavor that simply can’t be beat, so don’t skip this step—it adds an essential nuttiness to your Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad.

Step 2: Prep the Carrots and Herbs

Wash and peel your rainbow carrots, trimming off the ends. Then, either use a julienne peeler, spiralizer, or sharp knife to shave them into long, thin ribbons or matchsticks. Toss the carrots into a large mixing bowl, then add the chopped scallions, cilantro, and basil. Give it all a gentle toss to distribute those colorful herbs—the mix is already tempting at this stage!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Combine all the dressing ingredients—rice vinegar, sesame oil, Tamari, white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, fresh garlic, and ginger—into a small blender or food processor. Blitz for 15-20 seconds until smooth and creamy. No blender? Just whisk together the miso and Tamari first to eliminate any lumps, then whisk in the remaining ingredients until the mixture is thoroughly blended. This fragrant, umami-packed dressing is what takes your Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad to a whole new level.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour your freshly blended dressing over the carrots and herbs. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything together until the ribbons are well coated. Every strand should glisten with the dressing—take a moment to admire the glossy, jewel-toned effect before moving on!

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This rest time lets the flavors meld beautifully, turning simple carrots into a complex medley of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a few more toasted sesame seeds and, if you like an extra kick, a dusting of red pepper flakes. The Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is now ready to steal the show at your table!

How to Serve Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad

Garnishes

If you want your Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad to look every bit as impressive as it tastes, go for simple yet striking garnishes. Add a handful of extra toasted sesame seeds, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color, or a few torn basil or cilantro leaves on top for a fresh, aromatic burst. Even a twist of lime zest can bring a lovely citrusy pop.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simple mains like grilled chicken, broiled salmon, or tofu steaks. The cool crunch and lively dressing provide a refreshing contrast to heartier proteins. It’s also fantastic alongside stir-fried noodles, rice bowls, or even stuffed into wraps for a picnic-ready lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

To add extra flair, serve your Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad on a wide platter lined with butter lettuce or cabbage leaves for a beautiful pop of green. For an appetizer twist, scoop the salad into lettuce cups or serve it as a topping for rice paper rolls. Individual glass jars also make a whimsical and portable way to present the dish at picnics or potlucks. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the more colorful, the better!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The carrots stay pleasantly crisp, and the flavors only deepen over time. Just give everything a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

While freezing is not recommended for this salad (as the fresh veggies and herbs lose their appealing texture), you can freeze the prepared dressing on its own in a small sealed container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator, whisk well, and toss with freshly shaved carrots whenever you’re ready for a quick salad upgrade.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for this salad, making it a perfect time-saving option for busy days. If the salad has been super chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring out the best flavors and aromas.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of rainbow carrots?

Absolutely! While rainbow carrots create a more visually stunning salad, regular orange carrots work just as well and taste equally delicious in the Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to three days ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake or whisk before adding to your carrots, and it’ll taste fresh and lively every time.

What if I don’t have a julienne peeler or spiralizer?

No worries! You can use a sharp knife to carefully cut the carrots into thin matchsticks, or even use a regular vegetable peeler to create wide, rustic ribbons. The texture will still be irresistible!

How spicy is the salad with sriracha?

The single teaspoon of sriracha adds a gentle, subtle heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, use half as much or omit it entirely. Love heat? Add a little more to taste or finish the salad with extra red pepper flakes.

Can I add protein to the salad?

Definitely! This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is a great base for seared tofu, shredded roasted chicken, or even cooked shrimp. Just toss your protein in right before serving for a more filling meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad enough—it’s one of those dishes that manages to be easy, nourishing, and absolutely packed with flavor all at once. Give it a try and see just how quickly it disappears at your next gathering or sandwich it into a grain bowl for a next-level lunch. Happy cooking!

Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the crunchiness of carrots with the nuttiness of sesame seeds, all tossed in a zesty Asian-inspired dressing.

Instructions

Toasting Sesame Seeds: Heat a small pan over medium heat, add 1.5 tbsp sesame seeds, and toast for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
Preparing Salad: Wash, peel, and julienne the carrots. Place them in a large bowl. Add scallions, cilantro, and basil. Toss to combine.
Making Dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients in a small blender or food processor for 15-20 seconds until smooth. Alternatively, whisk miso and Tamari, then add other ingredients and whisk until well combined. Pour over the salad and toss to coat.
Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve topped with additional toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Asian