Carrot Ribbon Salad (Easy Viral TikTok Recipe)
This Carrot Ribbon Salad (Easy Viral TikTok Recipe) is fresh, crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Made with shaved carrot ribbons and a simple Asian-inspired dressing, this healthy vegan salad comes together in minutes and is perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or easy side dishes.
I have to admit, when I first saw carrot ribbon salad taking over TikTok, I wasn’t convinced. Carrots are great and all, but could a bowl of shaved carrots really be that good? One bite later, I completely understood the hype.
This fresh, crunchy salad has become one of my favorite ways to add more vegetables to my meals. It’s meal-prep friendly, comes together in minutes, and pairs perfectly with grain bowls, wraps, sandwiches, and even my Easy Oven-Baked Crispy Rice Recipe for extra texture.
If you love fresh salad recipes, simple vegan side dishes, and easy 30-minute recipes, this one deserves a spot on your menu. I also love serving it alongside my Vegan Version of the Viral Dumpling Bake, Million Dollar Cucumber Salad, and Vegan Stir-Fry.
Spotlight on This Carrot Ribbon Salad
- Packed with wholesome ingredients. Made primarily with fresh carrots and a simple homemade dressing, this vibrant salad is naturally vegan, fiber-rich, and loaded with fresh flavor.
- Ready in minutes. This easy carrot ribbon salad comes together in about 5 minutes, making it the perfect addition to busy weeknights, meal prep sessions, or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh with a kick. The combination of an Asian-inspired dressing and chili oil creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that pair beautifully with rice bowls, wraps, and stir-fries.
- Budget-friendly. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this affordable recipe delivers big flavor without requiring a special trip to the grocery store.
- Incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish, pile it onto grain bowls, tuck it into wraps, or add crispy tofu, chickpeas, or Easy Oven-Baked Crispy Rice for a more filling meal.
- Beautiful enough for entertaining. Those colorful carrot ribbons instantly elevate any table and make this one of those recipes that looks as impressive as it tastes.
The Ingredients
Carrots: Peel fresh carrots into long, thin ribbons for the base of this salad. They add crunch, natural sweetness, and make the dish look beautiful and vibrant.
Green onions: Light and mild, green onions add a fresh flavor that complements the carrots without overpowering them.
Fresh garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring bold flavor to the dressing. Skip the powder and go with minced garlic for the best taste.
Rice vinegar: This classic Asian vinegar gives the salad a tangy, refreshing kick and balances the spice from the chili oil.
Chili crisp oil: A jar of chili crisp adds the perfect blend of heat, crunch, and savory flavor. It’s the ingredient that makes this carrot ribbon salad so addictive.
Soy sauce: This sauce is salty, adding an umami depth to the dressing. You can easily swap it with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the salad gluten-free.
Sesame oil: A little sesame oil gives a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the carrots and chili oil. If needed, you can substitute with olive oil, but sesame oil is recommended.
Toasted sesame seeds: The final touch that ties the salad together. Sprinkle them on top for extra crunch and an authentic Asian-inspired finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. I do not recommend freezing this salad.
No, but can I be real for a moment? This carrot salad is best after chilling in the fridge for one day. However, you can definitely eat it right away.
The chili crisp oil adds a mild to medium heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding less chili oil or balancing it with a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness.
It pairs perfectly with rice bowls, stir-fry, spring rolls, dumplings, or these BBQ Lentil Patties. It also makes a colorful addition to a holiday table or a summer BBQ spread.
Yes, you can prepare the carrot ribbons and dressing in advance.
A carrot ribbon salad is made by using a vegetable peeler to transform fresh carrots into long ribbons and tossing them with a flavorful dressing. This simple salad became a viral TikTok sensation thanks to its fresh ingredients, vibrant appearance, and easy preparation.
The Instructions
Step one: Toast the sesame seeds in a small pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds or so. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the seeds to cool.
Step two: Use a vegetable peeler or potato peeler to peel the carrots into ribbons. Add the carrot ribbons to a medium glass bowl.
Step three: Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl, including green onions, fresh garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds.
Step four: Use tongs to toss everything together. Enjoy immediately or chill for 1-2 hours.
Storage
Place leftovers into an airtight container or place plastic wrap over the bowl and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Tips and Modifications
I like to enjoy this carrot ribbon salad with chopsticks. The ribbons are easier to grab, and it makes the whole experience a little more fun.
Use fresh carrots and peel away the outer layer before creating the ribbons. This helps remove any debris and creates the best texture.
Prefer less heat? Simply reduce the amount of chili oil. As written, this salad definitely has a spicy kick.
For a gluten-free version, swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing or want to balance some of the spice.
While this salad is delicious served immediately, I recommend chilling it for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
For extra crunch, top the salad with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or even a sprinkle of Easy Oven-Baked Crispy Rice or Crispy Fried Shallots.
More Vegan Salad Recipes
Simple Cucumber Salad with Fresh Dill
Israeli Couscous Vegetable Salad
Carrot Ribbon Salad (Easy Viral TikTok Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 small pan *to toast sesame seeds
- 1 medium glass bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound bag of large carrots or about 7 large carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced About 3-4 tablespoons
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon crispy chili oil
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds in a small pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds or so. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the seeds to cool.
- Use a vegetable peeler or potato peeler to peel the carrots into ribbons. Add the carrot ribbons to a medium glass bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl, including green onions, fresh garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Use tongs to toss everything together. Enjoy immediately or chill for 1-2 hours.
