Glossy julienned carrot salad coated in a spicy chili garlic oil dressing, garnished with sesame seeds, scallions, and fresh herbs. This vibrant vegan side dish is inspired by the viral TikTok carrot salad trend and features a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors with a juicy, well-dressed texture

Spicy Carrot Salad (Crunchy, Zingy, and Ready in 10 Minutes)

Name: Spicy Carrot Salad (Crunchy, Zingy, and Ready in 10 Minutes)
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 large carrots (peeled and julienned or grated (about 2½ cups packed)); 1 small clove garlic (grated or finely minced); 1-2 spring onions or scallions (finely sliced); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white or black); 1½ tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice); ½ tsp sugar (optional, but balances heat); 1½ tbsp neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or light olive oil); 1 –2 tsp chili flakes or chili crisp (adjust to taste); Optional: ½ tsp sesame oil (for flavor, not frying); Fresh coriander/cilantro (chopped); Crushed nori or furikake; Grated ginger; A dash of fish sauce or hoisin (if not vegan); Toasted nuts or seeds (peanuts, pumpkin seeds)

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TikTok-Viral Spicy Carrot Salad (Chili Garlic Style)

Inspired by viral food trends, this spicy carrot salad has been making the rounds recently—and for good reason. It’s simple, crunchy, a little spicy, and insanely addictive. Often described as a cross between a Korean-style banchan, a French grated carrot salad, and a touch of Middle Eastern or Asian fusion, it’s the kind of dish that’s endlessly versatile and bursting with bold flavor.

It’s spicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and ultra refreshing, vegan, quick to make, and perfect for meal prep or snacking.

Serves: 2–3 as a side
Prep Time: 15 mins
No cooking required (except for heating the oil)
Vegan · Gluten-Free Optional · Addictive Crunch

Why This Carrot Salad is Blowing Up

This salad hits that magic combo of flavor packed, easy, and nutrient rich. It’s one of those recipes that transforms a basic vegetable into something bold and craveable with just a few pantry ingredients. It’s also:

Customizable: Add herbs, proteins, or spices
Make ahead friendly: Tastes even better after 30 minutes of marinating
Aesthetically pleasing: Great for reels, bento boxes, and snack boards

Ingredients

Base

3 large carrots, peeled and julienned or grated (about 2½ cups packed)
1 small clove garlic, grated or finely minced
1–2 spring onions or scallions, finely sliced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white or black)

Dressing

1½ tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
½ tsp sugar (optional, but balances heat)
1½ tbsp neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or light olive oil)
1–2 tsp chili flakes or chili crisp (adjust to taste)
Optional: ½ tsp sesame oil (for flavor, not frying)

Optional Add-Ins

Fresh coriander/cilantro, chopped
Crushed nori or furikake
Grated ginger
A dash of fish sauce or hoisin (if not vegan)
Toasted nuts or seeds (peanuts, pumpkin seeds)

ingredients for Glossy julienned carrot salad coated in a spicy chili garlic oil dressing, garnished with sesame seeds, scallions, and fresh herbs. This vibrant vegan side dish is inspired by the viral TikTok carrot salad trend and features a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors with a juicy, well-dressed texture

Method

1. Prep the Carrots

Wash, peel, and julienne or grate the carrots. Use a mandoline, julienne peeler, or food processor for ultra thin shreds.
Place them in a large bowl with sliced scallions, minced garlic, and sesame seeds.

Tip: For maximum crunch, place julienned carrots in an ice water bath for 10 minutes, then drain well before tossing with the dressing.

Make the Dressing

In a small heatproof bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes.
In a small pan, heat the neutral oil until it shimmers, just before smoking point (you should see ripples).
Pour the hot oil directly over the chili flakes and garlic mixture. It will sizzle and bloom the spices.
Stir in sesame oil (if using) and taste—adjust heat or acidity as needed.

Toss & Serve

Pour the hot dressing over the carrot mix.
Toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
Let sit for 10–30 minutes for flavors to meld (optional but recommended).

Garnish with extra sesame seeds, coriander, or a sprinkle of furikake.

Storage

Fridge: Keeps well in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Flavors intensify over time!
Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, bento, or as a side for dumplings, rice bowls, noodles, or grilled tofu/chicken.

bento lunch box with Glossy julienned carrot salad coated in a spicy chili garlic oil dressing, garnished with sesame seeds, scallions, and fresh herbs. This vibrant vegan side dish is inspired by the viral TikTok carrot salad trend and features a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors with a juicy, well-dressed texture

Tips & Variations

Not a fan of heat? Use fried garlic and just sesame oil, or try a non-spicy chili crisp like Momofuku Chili Crunch Black Truffle for flavor without fire.
Protein boost: Add shredded tofu, cold poached chicken, or a boiled egg for a more substantial salad.
Go fusion: Add shredded nori, lime juice, and peanuts for a Thai–Korean twist.
Add crunch: Sprinkle with roasted chickpeas or crispy shallots before serving.