Carrot Salad with Citrus Miso-Ginger Dressing Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing carrot salad featuring shaved rainbow or orange carrots tossed in a tangy and flavorful citrus miso-ginger dressing, complemented by fresh herbs, pomegranate arils, and toasted sesame seeds. This salad is a perfect light starter or side, bursting with contrasting textures and bright flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 navel orange)
- 1 Tbsp. white miso paste
- 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
- 1 tsp. honey
Salad
- 1.25 lbs. large carrots (rainbow or all orange)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
- 3 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, white miso paste, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, grated or minced garlic, and honey. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the dressing is smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Shave carrots: Peel and discard the rough outer skin of the carrots. Hold each carrot firmly by one end and use a vegetable peeler to shave long ribbons from top to bottom. Rotate the carrot as the sides become flat and continue until reaching the narrow core. Collect approximately 12 ounces of shaved carrot ribbons. The leftover carrot cores can be reserved for soups, stocks, or snacks.
- Toss carrots with dressing: Add the shaved carrots directly into the bowl of dressing. Toss well to ensure the carrot ribbons are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add herbs and toppings: Incorporate the coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and stems, chopped fresh mint leaves, pomegranate arils, and toasted sesame seeds into the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Season and serve: Taste the salad and add a pinch of salt if desired to enhance flavors; however, the miso paste typically provides sufficient saltiness. Serve the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor, particularly fresh ginger and good quality miso paste.
- The carrot cores left after shaving can be saved for use in soups or stocks to minimize waste.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on desired sweetness.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before adding.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Toss again before serving.
