Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad

If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at, you’ve come to the right place! This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is one of my absolute favorites. It’s vibrant, crunchy, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at a family gathering or just need a quick side dish for a busy weeknight dinner, this carrot salad fits the bill perfectly!

This salad not only tastes amazing, but it also allows you to use up those carrots sitting in your fridge. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time at the table with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those evenings when time is tight.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of fresh herbs and a zesty dressing makes every bite burst with flavor.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this salad in advance and let it chill in the fridge. It’s even better after the flavors meld!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the colorful presentation and crunchy texture, making it an excellent choice for everyone!
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with almost any protein or can be enjoyed on its own as a light snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this beautiful salad! The best part? You likely already have most of these items in your kitchen!

For the Salad

• 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

For the Dressing

• 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

Variations

This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Crunchy Nuts: Toss in some chopped almonds or cashews for extra crunch.
• Incorporate Other Veggies: Feel free to add thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumbers for more color and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like some heat, add more sriracha or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
• Switch Up the Herbs: Swap cilantro and basil for parsley or mint if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad

Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds

Start by heating a small pan over medium heat. Add your sesame seeds and toast them for about 5-7 minutes while stirring frequently. This step enhances their nutty flavor, making them irresistible when sprinkled over your salad. Once they’re lightly browned and fragrant, remove them from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots

Wash and peel your carrots before julienning them into thin strips. Place them in a large bowl. The vibrant colors of rainbow carrots brighten up any dish! Add in your finely chopped scallions, cilantro, and basil; then toss everything together to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small blender or food processor, combine all of your dressing ingredients – rice vinegar, sesame oil, Tamari (or soy sauce), white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, garlic, and ginger. Blend for about 15-20 seconds until smooth. If you don’t have a blender handy, simply whisk everything together until no lumps remain. This dressing packs tons of flavor that will really elevate your salad!

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour your dressing over the carrot mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. Allowing it to chill for at least an hour lets all those delicious flavors meld beautifully together.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

When you’re ready to serve your Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad, give it another good toss! For an extra touch of flair, top with additional toasted sesame seeds and sprinkle some red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy this colorful delight alongside your favorite main dishes!

Now that you’ve got this recipe down pat, I hope you find joy in sharing this salad with friends and family! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad

Making this vibrant salad is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for firm, brightly colored carrots for the best flavor and crunch. Freshness really enhances the overall taste of your salad.
• Toast Your Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds not only adds a nice crunch but also brings out their rich, nutty flavor. This small step can make a big difference in your salad.
• Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps all the flavors meld beautifully. It’s worth the wait for that extra depth of taste!
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference. This way, you can cater to everyone’s taste buds!
• Experiment with Herbs: While cilantro and basil are fantastic, don’t hesitate to try other herbs like mint or parsley for an exciting twist. This keeps your salad fresh and interesting each time you make it.

How to Serve Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad

This colorful salad not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any table! Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Toasted Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of additional toasted sesame seeds on top adds extra texture and visual appeal.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor while giving your dish a pop of color.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection make a protein-packed pairing that complements the freshness of the salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with veggies offers a hearty base that balances well with the crispness of the carrot salad.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds both nutrition and color alongside this vibrant dish.
• Brown Rice: Simple brown rice provides a wholesome, nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the tangy dressing of your salad.

Enjoy serving this delightful Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad as part of your meal, and watch how it brings smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen while saving you valuable time during busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Be sure to keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.
• If you notice any moisture accumulation, drain it before serving again.

Freezing

• While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if necessary.
• Place the salad in a freezer-safe container, but note that some ingredients may lose their texture upon thawing.
• To use, simply transfer to the refrigerator to defrost overnight before serving.

Reheating

• This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary!
• If desired, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for a slightly warmer experience.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad:

Can I use different vegetables in my Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even radishes for added flavor and texture.

How long does the Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad last in the fridge?

The salad will last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already plant-based as it doesn’t include any animal-derived ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad as delightful as I do! Its vibrant colors and flavors not only brighten up your plate but also make eating healthy a pleasure. Enjoy making this easy recipe for your next meal or gathering — it’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!