You NEED to try this carrot salad

You NEED to try this carrot salad is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 100 calories per serving. Recipe by thrivingonplants on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 45 min

Cost: $1.67 total, $0.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 medium Carrots (peeled into long thin strips (julienne))
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

  1. Create carrot ribbons

    Using a vegetable peeler, run the blade lengthwise down each carrot to produce long, thin strips resembling ribbons. Collect the strips in a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Prepare the dressing

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onion until the mixture emulsifies.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Toss carrots with dressing

    Pour the dressing over the carrot ribbons in the mixing bowl. Toss gently until every strip is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Chill (optional)

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 4°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
100
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Plant‑based, Gluten‑Free (if using tamari or gluten‑free soy sauce)

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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You NEED to try this carrot salad

Recipe by thrivingonplants

A crisp, tangy carrot salad made with thinly peeled carrot ribbons tossed in a bright lime‑vinegar dressing with soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, sesame seeds and green onion. Perfect as a quick side or light lunch, and even better after a short chill in the fridge.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.67
Total cost
$0.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Peeling carrots into thin ribbons
  • Whisking the dressing until fully emulsified
  • Ensuring all carrot ribbons are evenly coated

Safety Warnings

  • Use a steady hand when handling the peeler to avoid cuts.
  • Wash hands after handling raw carrots and before touching other foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of carrot salad in American cuisine?

A

Carrot salad became popular in the United States during the health‑food boom of the 1970s, when raw vegetable dishes were embraced for their crunch and nutritional value. It reflects a shift toward lighter, plant‑forward meals that are quick to prepare.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of carrot salad in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, carrot salad often includes raisins and a creamy mayo‑based dressing, while West Coast versions favor Asian‑inspired flavors like soy, sesame oil, and lime, similar to this recipe from thrivingonplants.

cultural
Q

How is carrot salad traditionally served in American gatherings?

A

It is typically served chilled as a side at picnics, potlucks, and barbecue gatherings, offering a refreshing contrast to richer grilled foods.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is carrot salad traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Carrot salad is a staple at summer barbecues, family picnics, and health‑focused brunches, where its bright flavor and crisp texture complement a variety of main dishes.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with this carrot salad?

A

It pairs beautifully with grilled tofu, veggie burgers, roasted sweet potatoes, or a hearty bean chili, adding a crisp, acidic counterpoint.

cultural
Q

What makes this carrot salad special in the thrivingonplants plant‑based repertoire?

A

The salad showcases thrivingonplants' focus on simple, whole‑food ingredients and bold, Asian‑inspired flavors while remaining entirely vegan and quick to assemble, embodying the channel’s ethos of “salads that don’t suck.”

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot salad from thrivingonplants?

A

Common errors include cutting the carrots too thick, which prevents the dressing from coating them fully, and under‑whisking the dressing, leading to separation. Also, seasoning too lightly can make the salad taste flat.

technical
Q

Why does this carrot salad recipe use lime juice instead of lemon juice?

A

Lime juice provides a slightly sweeter, more aromatic acidity that balances the soy sauce and maple syrup, creating a flavor profile that aligns with the Asian‑inspired dressing used by thrivingonplants.

technical
Q

Can I make this carrot salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and keep the carrots separate. Store the dressed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they stay crisp for up to three days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel thrivingonplants specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel thrivingonplants specializes in plant‑based, whole‑food recipes that emphasize fresh vegetables, simple techniques, and flavorful, nutrient‑dense meals for everyday cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel thrivingonplants' approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan channels?

A

thrivingonplants focuses on minimal‑ingredient, quick‑prep dishes that use everyday pantry staples and seasonal produce, whereas many other vegan channels often feature more elaborate, ingredient‑intensive recipes.

channel

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