Raw Carrot Salad (5-Minute Viral TikTok Recipe)

This Raw Carrot Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy dish that has taken the internet by storm. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad bursts with flavor and makes for a perfect side dish or light snack. The mix of sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and lime juice gives the carrots a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, while the addition of fresh cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds adds color and crunch. For an extra kick, add chili onion crunch for that viral-worthy spice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Raw Carrot Salad is a simple, delicious, and healthy dish that can be whipped up in minutes. The sweet and tangy dressing, combined with the fresh crunch of shaved carrots, makes it incredibly refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you want it as a light side dish, a topping for your main, or a quick snack, this salad delivers bright, bold flavors in a snap. The added chili onion crunch gives it a spicy twist, making it perfect for those who love a little heat. Best of all, it takes just 5 minutes to make!

Ingredients

• 3 medium carrots
• 1 tsp grated garlic
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds
• Optional: chili onion crunch for some spice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep the Carrots: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into thin ribbons, creating a light, airy texture.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together grated garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Add the shaved carrots to the bowl, then toss in the fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions. Toss everything together until the carrots are fully coated in the dressing.
4. Optional Spice: If you want some heat, drizzle a little chili onion crunch over the top for that spicy, viral-worthy finish.
5. Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 2-3 servings.
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes (or 10 minutes if you chill the salad)

Variations

• Herb Options: Add fresh mint or parsley to mix things up and give the salad a new flavor.
• Sweetness: Adjust the honey to your taste if you prefer a sweeter or more balanced dressing.
• Vegan Version: This recipe is already vegan, but if you want to make it even lighter, you can use agave syrup instead of honey.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat; the salad is served cold and is perfect for meal prepping.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots instead of shaving them?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded carrots, though the texture might not be as light and delicate as the shaved ribbons.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the salad and let it chill for about 10 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

3. Can I substitute the soy sauce with something else?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

4. Is this salad spicy?

It’s not spicy unless you add chili onion crunch or a hot sauce of your choice. The recipe as written has a mild, tangy flavor.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumber ribbons, bell peppers, or radishes for additional crunch and flavor.

6. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or another sweetener of your choice.

7. How can I make this salad even more filling?

To make it heartier, you can add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or roasted nuts for extra protein and texture.

8. Can I skip the sesame oil?

While sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor, you can substitute it with olive oil or any neutral oil if needed.

9. Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, this salad is low in carbs and works well as a light side dish for a low-carb meal.

10. Can I store this salad for longer than 2 days?

For the freshest flavor and texture, it’s best to eat it within 2 days. The carrots may become softer over time as they soak up the dressing.

Conclusion

This Raw Carrot Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tangy dressing and fresh crunch, it’s a fantastic addition to your meal rotation, and the best part is, it takes just 5 minutes to prepare! Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side or a quick snack, this salad is sure to impress. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite toppings or spices for a unique twist every time!

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