Description
Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, this Carrot Ribbon Salad is a stunning side dish that adds brightness to any meal. Made with thinly shaved carrots, a zesty lemon dressing, and optional toppings like nuts and herbs, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for spring brunches, summer barbecues, or cozy dinners, this quick, no-cook salad is healthy, versatile, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large carrots (peeled into ribbons using a vegetable peeler)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint (or both)
- Optional: toasted almonds, crumbled feta, sesame seeds, or pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and peel the carrots. Using a vegetable peeler, shave them lengthwise into thin ribbons.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Add carrot ribbons to the bowl and gently toss to coat.
- Let salad rest for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and carrots to soften slightly.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with herbs and any optional toppings.
Notes
- For an Asian-inspired twist, use rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a splash of soy sauce, then top with sesame seeds and green onions.
- For a spicy citrus version, add chili flakes or grated ginger.
- Use tahini and orange juice for a creamy variation.
- Swap parsley or mint for dill, cilantro, or basil.
- Add extra crunch with walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or roasted chickpeas.
- Best served fresh. Carrots and dressing can be prepped 1 day in advance; store separately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~120
- Sugar: ~7 g
- Sodium: ~120 mg
- Fat: ~8 g
- Saturated Fat: ~1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~12 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~1 g
- Cholesterol: 0mg