Crunchy Viral TikTok Carrot Salad
A bright and crunchy carrot salad with toasted seeds and a tangy-sweet dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 large large carrots, peeled and shredded Choose firm, brightly colored carrots for the best sweetness.
- 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds or pepitas For crunch; swap toasted almonds for a nutty twist.
- 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries Adds a sweet, chewy contrast.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted Brings a warm, toasty note.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro Fresh herbs brighten the dish.
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Balances the acidity; maple is great for a vegan-friendly version.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar Sharpness that lifts the salad.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari Adds savory depth; tamari for gluten-free.
- 1 clove garlic, minced Fresh garlic for depth and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil A little goes a long way for that signature flavor.
- to taste notes Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Shred the carrots using a box grater or a food processor with the grating attachment.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sunflower seeds and sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Adjust the mix to achieve a balanced flavor.
Mixing
- Pour the dressing over the shredded carrots, add toasted seeds, raisins or cranberries, and chopped herbs. Toss everything until well coated.
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
For a lighter salad, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice. Storing the salad in an airtight container will keep it fresh for up to 3 days.