Description
Looking for a vibrant, healthy side or light main dish? This Carrot Sesame Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and colorful medley of vegetables tossed in a fragrant sesame dressing — perfect for quick lunches, dinner ideas, or healthy snacks. It’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and texture, making it one of the best easy recipes for those craving clean, feel-good food ideas. Whether you’re meal-prepping or entertaining, this salad brings both beauty and bold taste to your table.
Ingredients
2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
1 small beet, peeled and julienned
0.5 cup green beans, blanched and sliced lengthwise
0.5 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
0.25 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
0.5 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Peel and julienne the carrots and beet into thin strips. Blanch green beans for 2–3 minutes, then cool in ice water. Slice yellow bell pepper and chop herbs.
2. In a dry skillet, toast white and black sesame seeds for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir continuously and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, vinegar or lemon juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Combine all vegetables and herbs in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and gently toss everything together until well coated.
5. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top and serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty aroma and adds crunch — don’t skip it.
For a heartier version, add tofu, chickpeas, or shredded chicken.
Keep dressing and salad separate for longer storage and fresher texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw + Minimal Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: carrot salad, sesame salad, vegan lunch, quick side dish, easy dinner, healthy snack