Description
A refreshing, no-cook salad featuring carrot ribbons, bell peppers, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil, for dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari, for dressing
- Juice of 1 large lime, for dressing
- 21/2 teaspoons brown sugar, for dressing
- 11/2 teaspoon sesame oil, for dressing
- 2 small cloves garlic, grated, for dressing
- 11/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, for dressing
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste, for dressing
- 10 oz shredded carrots, for salad
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded, stemmed, and chopped, for salad
- 1/2 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro, for salad
- 3 scallions, sliced, for salad
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or cashews, for salad
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste, for salad
- Sesame seeds and additional cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Salad Ingredients: Start by tossing your shredded carrots and sliced bell peppers together in a large bowl. Ensure the carrots are not too chunky for easy mixing.
- Prepare Sesame Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together sesame oil, grated ginger, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water carefully to maintain flavor.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the carrot and pepper mix and stir gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Garnish with Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch. A light dusting is sufficient for flavor enhancement.
- Let Salad Rest: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors to blend and slightly softens the carrots.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed on the day it’s made to retain freshness.
- Expert Tips: Use pre-shredded carrots to save time. When making the dressing, mixing it in a jar simplifies the process and allows for easy storage. To adjust the heat level, modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference. If dressing separates, whisk or shake again before serving to recombine. If the salad is too dry, a splash of dressing or additional lime juice can help moisten it.
- Reheating Instructions: This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled chicken or tofu, pair with Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fried noodles, or include in a picnic spread with other refreshing salads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 373mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg