Trying the Carrot Salad that Broke The Internet
Trying the Carrot Salad that BROKE THE INTERNET 🤯 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Cheap Lazy Vegan on YouTube.
Prep: 23 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min
Cost: $1.75 total, $0.44 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 medium carrots Carrots (peeled and sliced into ribbons with a vegetable peeler)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (chopped; reserve a few pieces for garnish)
- 1 tsp Garlic (fresh minced or grated)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium optional)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (seasoned rice vinegar works well)
- 1 tbsp Roasted Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for nutty flavor)
- 1 tbsp Roasted Sesame Seeds (also called Korean crack)
- 1 tsp Chili Crisp (adds heat and crunch; adjust to taste)
Instructions
Create Carrot Ribbons
Using a vegetable peeler, run the blade lengthwise down each peeled carrot to produce long, thin ribbons. Rotate the carrot as you go to get even strips.
Time: PT5M
Transfer Ribbons to Bowl
Place all carrot ribbons into a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT1M
Prep Green Onions
Trim the root ends off two green onion stalks, slice them thinly, and set aside a small handful for garnish.
Time: PT2M
Add Green Onions
Add the chopped green onions to the bowl with the carrot ribbons.
Time: PT0.5M
Add Garlic
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables.
Time: PT0.5M
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, roasted sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds, and chili crisp until well combined.
Time: PT2M
Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss thoroughly until every ribbon is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Rest for Flavor
Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with the reserved green onion pieces just before serving.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑free
Allergens: Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: jicama ribbons, daikon radish ribbons
- Instead of Green Onion: scallions
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari (gluten‑free), coconut aminos
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Roasted Sesame Oil: regular sesame oil
- Instead of Roasted Sesame Seeds: plain sesame seeds
- Instead of Chili Crisp: sriracha, chili oil
Equipment Needed
- Vegetable Peeler
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Creating uniform carrot ribbons with the peeler
- Whisking the dressing until the sesame seeds are evenly distributed
- Tossing the salad until every ribbon is fully coated
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra color, add thinly sliced red bell pepper or purple cabbage.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the dressing.
- If you like extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top.
Troubleshooting
Carrot ribbons are too thick and crunchy.
Run the peeler over the ribbons a second time or use a mandoline with a thin julienne blade.
Dressing is too salty.
Add a splash more rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
Salad becomes soggy after sitting.
Reserve a small amount of the dressing and toss it in just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The carrots may soften over time.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will be lost.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the carrot ribbons and store them dry in a sealed bag; add dressing just before serving.
- The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of carrot ribbon salad in American vegan cuisine?
Carrot ribbon salad became popular on TikTok as a fresh, low‑cost vegan side that showcases raw vegetables in a visually striking way. It reflects the modern American trend of quick, plant‑based meals that are both Instagram‑ready and budget‑friendly.
What are the traditional regional variations of carrot ribbon salad in the United States?
While the basic TikTok version uses soy‑sesame dressing, some U.S. variations add citrus (lime or orange), herbs like cilantro, or swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten‑free. Southern twists might include a touch of honey‑mustard, whereas West Coast versions often feature avocado slices.
How is carrot ribbon salad traditionally served in vegan gatherings?
It is typically served chilled or at room temperature as a side dish alongside grain bowls, tacos, or as part of a raw‑food buffet. The salad is often presented in a large communal bowl for guests to help themselves.
What occasions or celebrations is carrot ribbon salad traditionally associated with in vegan culture?
Because it’s quick, colorful, and dairy‑free, carrot ribbon salad is a favorite for potlucks, brunches, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or New Year’s where a fresh contrast to richer dishes is desired.
What other vegan dishes pair well with carrot ribbon salad?
It pairs beautifully with grain‑based bowls such as quinoa or brown rice, tofu stir‑fries, vegan tacos, and hearty soups like lentil or miso broth. The crispness also complements creamy avocado toast.
What makes carrot ribbon salad special or unique in vegan cuisine?
The use of a vegetable peeler to turn ordinary carrots into noodle‑like ribbons creates a textural surprise that feels indulgent without any cooking. Combined with the umami‑rich soy‑sesame dressing, it delivers depth of flavor while staying raw and nutrient‑dense.
How has carrot ribbon salad evolved over time in TikTok food trends?
Initially a simple carrot‑only ribbon dish, creators added layers of flavor—garlic, green onion, sesame seeds, and chili crisp—making it a full‑flavored salad. Recent versions experiment with additional veggies, fruit zest, or fermented dressings to keep the trend fresh.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot ribbon salad?
Common errors include over‑peeling and creating ribbons that are too thick, under‑seasoning the dressing, and letting the salad sit too long, which can make the carrots soggy. Follow the critical steps and taste the dressing before mixing.
Why does this carrot ribbon salad recipe use roasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil?
Roasted (toasted) sesame oil has a deep, nutty aroma that adds a richer flavor profile to the raw salad, whereas regular sesame oil is milder and would not provide the same savory depth that the TikTok version is known for.
What does the YouTube channel Cheap Lazy Vegan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cheap Lazy Vegan focuses on ultra‑budget-friendly, minimal‑effort vegan recipes that use pantry staples and simple techniques, often highlighting viral trends and quick meals for beginners.
How does the YouTube channel Cheap Lazy Vegan's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Cheap Lazy Vegan emphasizes low cost, speed, and using everyday kitchen tools rather than specialty equipment. The channel often adapts popular internet food trends into stripped‑down, affordable versions, whereas many other vegan channels may focus on gourmet or elaborate preparations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
