Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame salad is an irresistible blend of vibrant colors and flavors that can elevate any meal. This stunning vegan salad side dish showcases the natural sweetness and crunch of rainbow carrots, which are beautifully complemented by a zesty sesame dressing. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight meal, this salad will leave your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame
This Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame salad isn’t just visually appealing; it also packs a nutritional punch. Here are some reasons to enjoy it:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from colorful rainbow carrots.
- Easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
- Raw and vegan-friendly, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer.
- Can be easily customized with different herbs and spices.
- Deliciously crunchy texture that enhances any meal.
This recipe features sliced rainbow carrot sesame and a delightful dressing, which makes it a standout dish in the realm of rainbow carrot sesame salad.
Ingredients for Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame
Gather these items:
- 1 pound (about 5 medium) rainbow carrots, peeled and shaved into ribbons
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted preferred)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white miso paste
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
How to Make Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash, peel, and shave the rainbow carrots into long, thin ribbons using a Y-peeler. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add the sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, and chopped basil to the bowl with the carrots. Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, tamari, miso paste, sriracha, coconut sugar (or maple syrup), garlic, and ginger until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ribbon of carrot.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame
Keep these in mind:
- Serve chilled for the best flavor.
- Adjust sriracha to taste for your spice preference.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Experiment with different herbs to customize your flavor profile.
Best Ways to Serve Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame
Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
- Pair it with grilled tofu for a hearty vegan main dish.
- Serve alongside roasted rainbow carrots with sesame for a colorful platter.
- Top with a shaved carrot sesame garnish for added texture and flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame
This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but it’s best consumed within that time frame. To make meal prep easier, consider preparing the dressing in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame
What’s the secret to perfect Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame?
The secret lies in the freshness of the ingredients and the balance of the dressing. Using high-quality sesame oil and fresh herbs will elevate the flavors significantly.
Can I make Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just make sure to keep it chilled and toss it again before serving for the best taste and texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame?
To avoid sogginess, don’t dress the salad too early. Wait until just before serving to add the dressing, allowing the carrots to maintain their crunch.
Variations of Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame You Can Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:
- For a spicy kick, add more sriracha or some chopped jalapeños.
- Try adding diced rainbow carrot with sesame for a different texture.
- Incorporate roasted nuts for added crunch and protein.
This vegan rainbow carrot sesame dish is versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors while keeping the base simple and healthy.

For more delicious vegan recipes, check out our healthy banana bread vegan recipe or try the holiday roasted vegetables recipe for a festive touch.

Additionally, you can explore our creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet for a hearty meal option or enjoy the cheesy baked fajita chicken for a comforting dinner.
Print
Irresistible Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Irresistible Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad: A Stunning Vegan Salad Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 5 medium) rainbow carrots, peeled and shaved into ribbons
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted preferred)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white miso paste
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and shave the rainbow carrots into long, thin ribbons using a Y-peeler. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, and chopped basil to the bowl with the carrots. Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds.
- In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, tamari, miso paste, sriracha, coconut sugar (or maple syrup), garlic, and ginger until smooth and emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ribbon of carrot.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
Notes
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Adjust sriracha to taste for spice preference.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
