Shaved Carrot Salad

Colorful carrot ribbons get coated in a creamy tahini dressing spiked with punchy ginger and umami-rich soy sauce.

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Photo:

Jennifer Causey

Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
6

If you’re looking for a fresh side salad that’s a little bit punchy and a little bit creamy, you’ve met your match. Lidey Heuck brings us this shaved carrot salad recipe in her new cookbook Cooking in Real Life. It’s incredibly simple to whip up and does not skimp on flavor. Bright ginger balances the saltiness of soy sauce in a creamy tahini dressing that’s further enhanced with wisps of garlic. Sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds add final touches of flavor and texture. It’s a colorful and healthy side salad that goes well with grilled meats, steamed fish, and even sushi at home. 

Bulk it up and make it a meal. Double the quantities of the dressing, whisk together, and set aside. Add cooked rice noodles, lettuce, and shredded chicken or seared tofu to the carrot ribbons and dress as desired.

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. tahini

  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

  • 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 3-in. piece)

  • 1 tsp. soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 small clove garlic, grated (about 1/2 tsp.)

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

  • 6 medium carrots, trimmed and peeled

  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 or 3 scallions)

  • 1 tsp. sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

Directions

  1. Whisk tahini, oil, vinegar, ginger, soy sauce, garlic, and salt in a medium bowl until just combined. Add 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk until smooth and creamy. 

  2. Shave carrots into long ribbons with a mandoline or vegetable peeler and place in a large bowl. (If you’re using a vegetable peeler, hold each carrot flat against the cutting board with your hand and peel with the other hand.) Chop any leftover carrot pieces into matchsticks; add carrot matchsticks and scallions to carrot ribbons.

  3. Pour dressing over carrots; use tongs to toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Store the salad in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

128 Calories
11g Fat
6g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 128
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 192mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 36mg 3%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 174mg 4%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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