Description
A vibrant and refreshing Sesame Ginger Carrot Salad featuring shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. This easy no-cook salad is perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack with a delightful crunch from peanuts or cashews and a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari
- Juice of 1 large lime
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 small cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Salad
- 10 oz shredded carrots
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded, stemmed, and chopped
- 1/2 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or cashews
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Additional cilantro, if desired
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the grapeseed oil, soy sauce (or Tamari), lime juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated garlic, freshly grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this flavorful dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded carrots, chopped red bell pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, and chopped peanuts or cashews. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Season: Using tongs, toss the salad thoroughly until all the vegetables and nuts are well coated with the dressing. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional fresh cilantro if you like. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor and crisp texture.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day; toss again before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Try substituting chopped walnuts or almonds if peanuts or cashews are not available.
- Lime juice adds brightness; do not omit for best flavor balance.
