Asian Carrot Salad

This Asian carrot salad with oranges and coriander makes an Asian-inspired and easy-to-prepare perfect side dish.

Although I often make this salad during the summer when carrots peak, it’s a tasty dish to enjoy year-round. Inspired by a TikTok recipe, I added oranges and cilantro for an Asian-inspired twist.

Lately, I’ve been exploring different carrot dishes like carrot fries and ninjin shirishiri, and your feedback has been encouraging. So, here’s another carrot recipe to try out.

Why you will love this recipe?

• Carrots and oranges are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins, and minerals and making it a nutritious dish. I used the same combination in this orange and carrot soup.
• Raw carrots offer a refreshing and crunchy texture.
• With only 20 minutes to make and hassle-free, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare
• It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and optionally Paleo.

The Ingredients to Make Nutritious Carrot Salad

This carrot salad makes a great appetizer or main dish with just a few simple ingredients.

Shred or shave the carrot?

In traditional French carrot salads, grated carrots are preferred because they easily absorb the classic vinaigrette with Dijon mustard and raisins. However, our version uses carrot ribbons, for a delightful crunch that still soaks up the flavors, as seen in this Carrot Souffle.

Carrots naturally sweeten the salad, and you can choose from different varieties, including baby carrots. 

Oranges

Juicy oranges infuse the salad with a sweet, citrusy flavor. Packed with vitamin C, they also have immune-boosting properties.

Coriander

Fresh coriander leaves, known as cilantro, enhance the salad’s aroma with a hint of Asian flair.

Lime Juice

Beyond its citrusy brightness, lime juice brings a refreshing element and zesty kick to the salad. You can also use lemon juice, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar instead.

Red onion

The slightly sweet and peppery taste and red hue of red onion are perfect for this salad. If you find it too strong, you can replace it with a milder flavor of yellow onion.

Sesame Oil

For an Asian dressing, sesame oil works the best

Maple syrup (optional)

I didn’t use it in this recipe, but if you want to add sweetness to the dressing, maple, agave or orange syrup is a wise choice.

Sesame Seeds (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Crunchy Carrot Salad Benefits and viral Tiktok

Raw carrot salad isn’t just a TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram trend; it was originally designed by Dr. Ray Peat to help balance hormones. He noted that raw carrots contain a unique fiber that binds to endotoxins and excess estrogen, promoting their removal from the body. This can be especially helpful for women with estrogen dominance, a common cause of uncomfortable menstrual symptoms. By aiding in the elimination of excess estrogen, this salad can help ease these symptoms. (1)

Women who ate raw carrot salad once or twice a day reported relief from various menstrual discomforts. The salad is also good for gut health. For the best results, consume it on an empty stomach.

Asian Carrot Salad Recipe

This great side dish is easy to make and it’s ready in less than 20 minutes.

First step: Prepare the fruits and veggies

Wash, peel, and thinly ribbon the carrots using a vegetable peeler or mandoline. 

Peel the oranges and onion and cut them into small cubes.

cut thinly the coriander and add it as the last ingredient just before serving.

Second step: make the salad dressing

Mix sesame oil, lime juice, maple syrup, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk well.

Third step: Combine the ingredients

Combine carrot slices, oranges, red onion, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Lastly, add a tangy dressing. 

Best Tips and Tricks to make this tangy salad perfect

To make it easy to digest slice the carrots thinly.

Marinate the ribbons for 20 minutes before serving, making them more flexible and tasty.

for faster preparation, use  a mandoline or food processor.

Variations to this Asian Carrot Salad

Add a fresh and zesty kick by incorporating finely grated or julienned fresh ginger into the salad. 

For added crunch and a cooling effect, mix in thin slices or ribbons of English cucumber. 

For a creamy texture and rich flavor, dice some ripe avocado and toss it into the mix. It also adds healthy fats. 

Add a splash of soy sauce to the dressing to give the salad a savory, umami depth. 

How to Store it?

For optimal freshness, eat the salad within 2-3 days. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. If possible, separate the dressing. I like to include lettuce to absorb moisture.

I don’t recommend freezing it, and the texture will change.

Ideas for garnish

• Sprinkle sesame seeds on the top
• For a bit of heat, scatter a few chili or red pepper flakes over the salad.
• Thinly sliced green onions or scallions can offer a subtle oniony taste and a pop of green color. This is quite popular in Japanese recipes. I used the same garnish when making miso aubergine.

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