Viral Shaved Carrot Salad
Fresh, crunchy, and packed with vibrant flavor, this shaved carrot salad has quickly become one of my favorite healthy recipes. After seeing countless versions of the viral carrot salad online, I decided to create my own by adding a few ingredients that not only elevate the flavor but also boost the nutritional value.
This salad is light yet satisfying, making it the perfect side dish for summer barbecues, meal prep, or a refreshing weekday lunch. The combination of crisp carrots, hydrating cucumber, fresh herbs, and a savory sesame-ginger dressing creates a balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors that keeps you coming back for another bite.
If you're looking for an easy way to eat more vegetables, this recipe is a great place to start.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ready in about 20 minutes
Perfect for meal prep
Naturally dairy-free
Packed with fresh vegetables
Full of bright, fresh flavor
A delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce
Healthy Ingredients & Their Benefits
🥕 Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support healthy vision, skin, and immune function. They're also a great source of fiber, making this salad satisfying while supporting digestive health.
🥒 Cucumber
Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch while helping increase hydration thanks to its high water content. It's also a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
🌿 Cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds brightness to the salad while providing antioxidants and small amounts of vitamins A, C, and K.
🧄 Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur compounds such as allicin, which have been studied for their antioxidant and immune-supporting properties. It also adds incredible depth of flavor.
🫚 Fresh Ginger
Ginger has long been used to support digestion and may help reduce inflammation. Its warm, slightly spicy flavor pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables.
🍶 Miso Paste
Miso contributes a rich umami flavor that makes the dressing incredibly satisfying. Because it's a fermented food, it also contains beneficial compounds, though probiotic activity can vary depending on the type and how it's stored.
🌱 Sesame Seeds
Sprinkling sesame seeds on top adds a delicious crunch along with healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, and plant-based protein
Highly Recommend:
If you don’t have a Y shaped peeler I highly recommend purchasing one because it will be much easier to get those longer carrot shavings rather than using a regular peeler.
My Take on the Viral Shaved Carrot Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Salad
4 large carrots, shaved into thin ribbons using a Y peeler
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon white or black sesame seeds
Dressing
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon coconut aminos
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon white miso paste
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the vegetables.
Using a Y peeler, shave the carrots into long, thin ribbons. Thinly slice the cucumber, chop the cilantro, and slice the green onions.
2. Make the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, coconut aminos, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, miso paste, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Toss the salad.
Add the carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Finish with sesame seeds.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top and toss once more.
5. Let the flavors develop.
For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so the vegetables can absorb the dressing.
