Description
A vibrant and refreshing Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad combining crisp julienned carrots with a flavorful Asian-inspired sesame dressing, fresh herbs, and toasted sesame seeds. This light and healthy salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal, offering a mix of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy notes with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
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
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
Instructions
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Heat a small pan over medium heat and add 1.5 tablespoons of sesame seeds. Toast them for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring frequently until they become lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and peel the carrots, then julienne them into thin strips. Place the carrots in a large bowl. Add the finely chopped scallions, cilantro, and basil to the bowl and toss well to evenly combine all the fresh ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients—rice vinegar, sesame oil, low sodium Tamari, white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, garlic, and grated ginger—in a small blender or food processor. Blend for 15 to 20 seconds until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, whisk the miso and Tamari first to remove lumps, then add the remaining dressing ingredients and whisk until fully combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds and some red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium Tamari for a gluten-free option; soy sauce can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust the sriracha quantity to control the level of spiciness.
- Chilling the salad is key to enhancing the flavor development.
- For added crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like toasted almonds or peanuts.
- Always toast the sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning and to maximize their flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
