This Carrot Ribbon Salad brings crisp crunch and a punchy soy sauce dressing together in one vibrant bowl. It’s quick to prep, big on flavor, and fits just as easily into a weeknight dinner as it does a weekend spread!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
- Carrots – Thin carrot ribbons create a tender yet crisp texture that absorbs the soy dressing beautifully. We love using a vegetable peeler because it creates long, elegant strips that feel restaurant-worthy with very little effort!
- Red Onion – Red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Fresh Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish. Garlic – Garlic adds a little bite to the dressing. Mincing it finely helps distribute the flavor evenly without leaving harsh chunks behind.
- Rice Wine Vinegar – Rice wine vinegar gives the dressing gentle acidity that brightens and balances the salad.
- Hot Honey – Hot honey brings a touch of sweetness with a subtle kick of heat. We like to make our own hot honey, but you can use your favorite store-bought brand if you’re trying to save time.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil helps the dressing coat every ribbon smoothly.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Low-sodium soy sauce delivers savory umami without making the salad overly salty.
- Roasted Pistachios – Roasted pistachios add crunch and a slightly nutty contrast to the tender carrots. Chop them up to make sure you get a bit of texture in every bite!
- Sesame Seeds – Sesame seeds bring a subtle toasty flavor and visual appeal. They add just enough texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Carrot Ribbon Salad with Hot Honey Soy Sauce Dressing
- Prepare the vegetables. Place the carrot ribbons in a large bowl after. Add the thinly sliced red onion and chopped cilantro, gently separating the ribbons as you go.
- Mix the dressing. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the ingredients for the dressing until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Toss the salad. Drizzle the soy dressing over the vegetables and gently combine until all of the ingredients for the salad are evenly coated and well mixed.
- Add the finishing touches. Add the pistachios and sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Variations
- Shredded Cabbage – Shredded green or purple cabbage adds extra crunch and makes the salad heartier. It pairs well with the soy sauce dressing without overpowering the carrots.
- Fresh Mint – Swapping or adding mint alongside the cilantro adds a cool, refreshing twist. This variation works especially well in warmer months!
- Spiciness – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a bit of Sriracha, or a splash of chili oil for even more heat.
- Citrus – A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness and extra zing.
- Protein – Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or baked tofu to turn the salad into a light meal.
- Nuts – Cashews or almonds are a great swap for the pistachios for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! But the carrots will absorb some of the dressing when they’re stored together. To prevent that, you can store them separately and combine them just before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but the texture will become more tender over time.
We don’t recommend freezing this salad — the carrots will lose their structure and become watery once thawed.
Common Questions about Carrot Ribbon Salad with Hot Honey Soy Sauce Dressing
A standard vegetable peeler works perfectly and keeps the ribbons thin and flexible. A mandoline can also be used, but be sure to protect your fingers from the sharp blade!
Yes, regular honey works well if you prefer less heat. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes if you want some spice back.
Tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes and still provide savory flavor. Both work well in a soy dressing-style recipe!
This carrot ribbon salad pairs nicely with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or rice-based dishes. It also works well as a fresh contrast to richer mains.
More Salad Recipes
Looking to level up your vegetable game? Try more of our salads that make for a satisfying side or main dish!
Feta Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Balela Salad (Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad)
Carrot Ribbon Salad with Hot Honey Soy Sauce Dressing
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Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots peeled and cut into thin ribbons
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp hot honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the veggies: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into long ribbons. Add them to a bowl with the sliced red onion and cilantro.1 lb carrots, 1 red onion, ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the garlic, rice wine vinegar, hot honey, olive oil, and soy sauce.2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar, 1 tbsp hot honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
- Finish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and the roasted pistachios. Chill 20–30 minutes if you want the flavors to deepen.¼ cup roasted pistachios, 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love this recipe!
Hi Angela,
We’re so glad you like it — thank you for the awesome feedback!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
How do you make a hot honey, please?
Hi Viorica,
Great question! Here’s our recipe: https://www.fooddolls.com/hot-honey-recipe/. Enjoy!
xo,
Alia & Radwa