This Carrot Ribbon Salad is bright, crunchy, refreshing, and incredibly simple to make. If you love quick, colorful salads that look beautiful on the plate but require almost no effort, this recipe will become one of your favorites.
Long ribbons of carrots are tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and a few flavorful add-ins to create a light, healthy salad perfect for any season.
If you like this fresh and healthy salad recipe. Then, also try my Gochujang Roasted Carrots, Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries, Chickpea Salad, and many more.
If you've seen this salad on my YouTube video, you already know how fun and satisfying these ribbons are to make! Do try my other Carrot recipes, including carrot halwa (pudding), Gochujang Roasted Carrots, Carrot and Lentil Soup, and Aloo Gajar matar ( a stir-fry made with potatoes, carrots, and peas).
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🎥 Watch the Video
If you prefer to learn visually, you can watch the complete step-by-step on my YouTube channel.
⭐ Why You'll Love This Carrot Ribbon Salad
- ✔ Ready in under 10 minutes
- ✔ No cooking required
- ✔ Beautiful presentation
- ✔ Crunchy + refreshing
- ✔ Healthy and low-calorie
- ✔ Kid-friendly texture
- ✔ Pairs with almost any meal
- ✔ Perfect for meal prep or parties
🥕 Ingredient Notes
- Carrots: Use large, thick carrots to make the best ribbons. Peel the outer skin of the carrots, then use the peeler to shave long, thin strips.
- Lemon Juice or Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and freshness to the salad.
- Olive Oil: A slight drizzle helps coat the ribbons and prevents them from drying out.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance flavor.
- Add-Ins: you can also add Soy Sauce, Maple Syrup/Honey, Chili Flakes, green Onions, Sesame Seeds, and Cilantro/Parsley.
*Check Recipe Card for Quantities.
🔪 How to Make Carrot Ribbons
- Step 1 - Peel the Carrots: Remove the outer skin of carrots. Using a peeler, shave long ribbons from top to bottom. Rotate the carrot as you go to get even strips.
2. 2. Step 2 - Add Dressing: Toss the ribbons with soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, chili oil, honey/maple syrup, and any optional spices you enjoy.
3. Step 3 - Mix-ins: Add optional add-ins like green onion, cilantro, chili flakes, or sesame seeds.
4. Step 4 - Serve Fresh: Toss everything together. This salad tastes best when served immediately. If prepping ahead, add dressing right before serving.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This Carrot Ribbon Salad pairs well with:
- Grilled tofu or paneer
- Rice bowls
- Mediterranean meals
- Air fryer vegetables
- Wraps or sandwiches
- Holiday or potluck spreads
It also works beautifully as:
- A side for lunch
- A refreshing salad for dinner
- A colorful addition to a party table
- A healthy snack bowl
🌿 Flavor Variations
Try these fun twists:
- Mediterranean: Make into an interesting twist with olive oil, lemon juice, feta, parsley, and black pepper.
- Sweet & Tangy: Combine honey/maple syrup, lime, and chili flakes for a sweet, tangy flavor.
- Indian-Inspired: A flavor pack made with lemon juice, cumin powder, cilantro,a nd chaat masala.
Tips for Success
- Use large carrots — they create the best ribbons.
- Don't dress the salad too early; it may soften the ribbons.
- A mix-in of crunch (nuts or seeds) makes the salad more exciting.
- Add herbs at the end to keep them fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Use a Y-peeler or vegetable peeler and shave long strokes down the length of the carrot. Rotate the carrot as you peel for even ribbons.
Yes. Keep the dressing separate until serving. Once dressed, the ribbons soften, so mix right before eating for the best texture.
No cooking is required. The thin ribbons stay crisp yet tender, making this a completely raw and refreshing salad.
Undressed ribbons last up to 2 days. Once dressed, enjoy within 4–6 hours for the best crunch.
Great options include sesame seeds, herbs, chili flakes, honey, nuts, or a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice.
OTHER SALAD RECIPES
Carrot Ribbon Salad (Fresh, Crunchy & Ready in 10 Minutes)
Ingredients
- Chili flakes or chili oil crunch optional
- Fresh herbs cilantro or parsley
- 2-3 Green Onions sliced
- Cilantro optional
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
Equipment
Method
- Peel the outer skin of the carrots, then use a vegetable peeler to shave long ribbons.5-6 Carrots shaved into ribbons
- Add the carrot ribbons to a mixing bowl. Add garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oil, chili crunch, honey/maple syrup, sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.2 tablespoon Soy Sauce, 2 tablespoon Rice Vinegar, 1 teaspoon Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon Honey/Maple syrup, Salt & pepper, Chili flakes or chili oil crunch optional, Fresh herbs cilantro or parsley, 2-3 Green Onions sliced, Cilantro optional, 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- Toss gently until the ribbons are evenly coated.
- Add herbs, sesame seeds, nuts, or chili flakes if using.
- Serve immediately for the best crisp texture.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use large, firm carrots for the longest ribbons.
- Add honey or maple syrup for a sweeter version.
- Add chili flakes or a pinch of cumin for extra flavor.
- Store undressed ribbons for up to 2 days.
- Dress right before eating to maintain crunch.
Kristy says
Very easy to make and it taste really good !