...
Go Back
Bright and colorful Carrot Salad served in a white bowl.

Vibrant Carrot Salad with Infused Sesame Vinaigrette

This vibrant Carrot Salad features a unique, flavor-elevating twist: sesame oil infused with aromatics like garlic or star anise. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this Asian-inspired side dish offers a refreshing crunch and a sweet, savory balance perfect for any meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 carrots
  • 3 scallions (trimmed and thinly sliced, 1 teaspoon reserved)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (1/4 teaspoon reserved)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh shredded ginger or ginger paste (or 1/8 teaspoon dried ground ginger, see notes)

Equipment

  • Vegetable peeler
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fork
  • Small saucepan (for infusing oil)
  • Dry skillet or baking sheet (for toasting seeds)

Method
 

Prepare the Carrot Ribbons
  1. First, stick a fork firmly into the fat end of a carrot. This technique helps you hold the carrot securely against your cutting board. Then, use a vegetable peeler to shave long, thin ribbons from the fat end to the narrow end of the carrot. Shave the entire carrot or as much as you can manage. Repeat this process with the remaining carrots.
Combine and Toss the Salad
  1. Next, add the prepared carrot ribbons to a mixing bowl. Now, add all but 1 teaspoon of the thinly sliced green onion, the rice vinegar, the sesame oil (preferably infused), the soy sauce, and the honey. Add all but 1/4 of a teaspoon of the toasted sesame seeds and your chosen ginger (fresh, paste, or rehydrated dried). Using a fork, toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Once the salad is thoroughly tossed and coated, it is time to garnish. Sprinkle the remaining reserved scallions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

Store leftovers in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, re-tossing before serving. This salad is excellent for making ahead; prepare a day in advance, adding reserved garnishes just before serving. Gently infuse the sesame oil over low heat to avoid bitterness, taste the vinaigrette for balance, and chill for 15-30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.