Description

Carrot Ribbon Salad with Lime Dressing is a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make side dish that combines thinly sliced carrots with a tangy lime dressing. This salad offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness, acidity, and herbaceous freshness, making it an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or enjoyed solo as a light snack. Quick to prepare with simple ingredients, it delivers a nutritious boost loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4–5 fresh, firm carrots, peeled and thinly sliced into ribbons
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (cilantro or mint)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

Chili flakes, a pinch (optional)
Toasted nuts (almonds or pistachios), for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Microgreens, for garnish
Thinly sliced green onions or chili rings, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots, then use a vegetable peeler to slice them into thin, even ribbons for an elegant look and a crisp texture.
Make the Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey or preferred sweetener, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined, balancing tartness and sweetness.
Toss the Salad: Place the carrot ribbons in a large mixing bowl, pour the lime dressing over them, and gently toss to coat all the ribbons evenly. Add chopped fresh herbs and toss lightly again.
Rest and Serve: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished as desired.

Notes

Always squeeze fresh lime juice rather than using bottled juice for the best flavor.
Consistent carrot ribbons help ensure even coating of dressing and attractive presentation.
Letting the salad marinate softens the carrots slightly and infuses the flavors.
Try both cilantro and mint to determine which herb you prefer for freshness and flavor.
Adjust the amount of honey or sweetener to match the natural sweetness of your carrots and personal taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No cooking required
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 90
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 0.8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: carrot salad, lime dressing, fresh salad, easy side dish, healthy salad, gluten free, vegan option, quick salad