5-Minute Raw Carrot Salad Recipe
Introduction
This 5-Minute Raw Carrot Salad is a fresh, vibrant side dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a simple addition to any meal. The carrot ribbons offer a delightful texture paired with a zesty dressing and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large carrots (peeled, organic preferred)
- ¼ bunch cilantro (leaves)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mason jar, combine apple cider vinegar, lime juice, raw honey, ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, and olive oil. Close the lid and shake well until the dressing is fully blended. Set aside.
- Step 2: Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler. Then, use the peeler to create long ribbons from the carrots. For a fun twist, place the ribbons in an ice bath for a few minutes to create curly, tender tendrils.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the carrot ribbons, cilantro leaves, and sesame seeds. Pour the dressing over and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Taste the salad and add a pinch of flaky sea salt if needed. Transfer the salad to a serving platter and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
- Use fresh herbs like mint or parsley in place of cilantro for variation.
- If you prefer a spicier dressing, add a small pinch of chili flakes to the jar before shaking.
Storage
Store the salad undressed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture. After tossing with dressing, enjoy immediately for best taste and crunch. Leftovers with dressing can be refrigerated for up to 6 hours but may become softer.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the carrot ribbons and dressing separately and combine them just before serving. This helps keep the carrots crisp and prevents sogginess.
Can I use different seeds or nuts instead of sesame?
Yes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped nuts work well and add a pleasant crunch and flavor.
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5-Minute Raw Carrot Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing 5-minute raw carrot salad combines crisp carrot ribbons with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing featuring apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and raw honey. Enhanced with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, this salad is a perfect quick and healthy starter or side dish that requires no cooking.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Salad
- 2 large carrots (peeled, organic preferred)
- ¼ bunch cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a clean mason jar, combine the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, raw honey, flaky sea salt, and olive oil. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended and emulsified. Set the dressing aside while preparing the salad.
- Prepare the carrots: Peel the carrots thoroughly using a vegetable peeler. Continue to use the peeler to slice the carrots into thin ribbons. For extra visual appeal and texture, immerse the carrot ribbons in an ice bath briefly to curl them into tendrils, then drain well.
- Assemble the salad: In a serving bowl, add the carrot ribbons, chopped cilantro leaves, and sesame seeds. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to evenly coat the carrots with the dressing and distribute the herbs and seeds.
- Finish and serve: Taste the salad for seasoning and add a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl and garnish with an additional sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crisp texture.
Notes
- Use organic carrots if possible for the best flavor and health benefits.
- The optional ice bath for carrot ribbons helps create beautiful curly textures but can be omitted if short on time.
- Raw honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor before adding to the salad.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; dressing may separate and can be shaken again before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: raw carrot salad, quick salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad, carrot ribbons, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, apple cider vinegar dressing, 5-minute salad
