Discovering Chili Crisp Carrot Ribbon Salad
There’s something almost magical about the first bite of this chili crisp carrot ribbon salad. I remember stumbling across it during a busy weekday scroll through TikTok, and I instantly knew it had to make an appearance at our dinner table. The glistening carrot ribbons, shimmering with chili oil and sesame seeds, looked too good to resist—and wow, it delivered. It’s now one of those go-to dishes that always brings big flavor without taking over the whole afternoon. In this post, we’ll explore why this salad’s gone viral, how to make it at home, why it’s good for you, and how to make it your own.
What makes this viral salad so irresistible?
Let’s be honest—most of us have been pulled in by a TikTok food trend at some point, but this one’s totally worth it. The chili crisp carrot ribbon salad exploded thanks to a now-iconic post by Cassie Yeung that pulled in over 19 million views. It’s easy to see why: bright, ribboned carrots tossed with a spicy, savory dressing made from pantry staples. The presentation is as fun as the flavor—those ribbons feel fancy but are simple to make with a basic Y-peeler.
What makes it special is the contrast. The delicate texture of thin carrots plays off the crunch and umami heat from the chili crisp. And unlike a heavy slaw or mayo-based salad, this one stays light while packing in serious punch. That combo of ease, flavor, and visual pop has made it a staple for quick lunches, cookouts, and just about everything in between.
Chili Crisp Carrot Ribbon Salad – A Refreshing, Vibrant Side
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
Description
A vibrant and spicy carrot ribbon salad made with chili crisp, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame. Bursting with bold flavors and satisfying crunch—ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 5 large carrots, shaved into ribbons
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or toasted sesame oil)
- 1–2 tsp chili crisp
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
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Prepare the carrots:
Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave the carrots into long, thin ribbons. Place them in a large mixing bowl. -
Make the dressing:
Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, chili crisp, and grated garlic directly into the bowl with the carrots. -
Toss everything together:
Gently toss the carrot ribbons with the dressing until evenly coated. -
Add the toppings:
Sprinkle in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Give the salad one final toss to combine. -
Let it rest:
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together. This enhances the taste significantly.
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Serve or store:
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens over time!
Notes
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Carrot Size Matters: Larger carrots are easier to peel into long, wide ribbons. Look for firm, thick carrots for the best texture.
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Chili Crisp Heat: Adjust the amount of chili crisp to suit your spice preference. Add more for extra heat, or balance with a drizzle of honey for sweet heat.
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Let It Rest: Don’t skip the resting time—letting the salad sit allows the dressing to soften the carrots slightly and blend flavors beautifully.
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Add Protein: For a more filling meal, top with sliced grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame.
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Make Ahead Tip: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Essential ingredients that balance flavor
The ingredient list for chili crisp carrot ribbon salad is blissfully short but deeply flavorful. You’ll need:
- Fresh carrots (preferably large ones for good ribbons)
- Garlic, finely chopped
- Green onions or scallions, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- And the star: chili crisp
Chili crisp adds that craveable umami with crunchy bits of garlic, onion, and chili flakes in oil. You can find it at most grocery stores or online under brands like Lao Gan Ma or Momofuku. Each spoonful adds just enough heat and texture to elevate the salad. It’s easy to make this recipe your own with minor tweaks (which we’ll dive into later), but this core combination offers a deeply satisfying balance.
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Packed with vitamins and skin-loving nutrients
Don’t let its simplicity fool you—this chili crisp carrot ribbon salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. That’s great for your skin, eyesight, and immune system. They also deliver a hefty dose of fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you fuller longer.
This salad ties in beautifully with the rising “edible skincare” trend, where people focus on foods that promote healthy skin from the inside out. With anti-inflammatory garlic, antioxidant-rich scallions, and heart-healthy sesame oil, it’s more than just tasty—it’s smart eating. The vibrant orange of the carrots even signals their antioxidant strength, especially in the form of lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes from harmful blue light.
It’s also low in calories and free of dairy or gluten, making it a clean and energizing addition to your meals. As an everyday side or a light lunch, it supports your wellness goals without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Why the ribbon cut enhances flavor & satisfaction
Here’s a small trick that makes a big difference: using a peeler to turn carrots into long ribbons. This shape gives the salad a fun texture—more like eating noodles than raw vegetables. The wider surface area allows the soy-chili-sesame dressing to cling to every bite. You end up with maximum flavor on every forkful.
And because those ribbons stay tender with a slight crunch, they make eating vegetables feel exciting. It’s a visual and sensory upgrade that takes this from a basic salad to something you crave. Add a few sesame seeds for nutty crunch, and suddenly, the whole dish comes alive.
Prep, Storage & Make‑Ahead Tips
Prep like a pro for crunchy perfection
Making chili crisp carrot ribbon salad starts with the right technique. To get those perfect, delicate ribbons, use a Y-peeler or a mandoline. Choose large carrots—they’re easier to handle and produce wider, more satisfying ribbons. If you’re prepping for guests or a busy week, you can peel and ribbon the carrots ahead of time and keep them in an ice-water bath. This not only keeps them fresh but actually makes them extra crisp.
You’ll also want to prep your garlic and scallions in advance. Store them in small airtight containers in the fridge, and you’ll have everything ready to throw together a fresh salad in minutes.
Toss the carrots with dressing just before serving to keep that delightful crunch. But if you’re going for a more marinated version, you can dress them a few hours ahead—just know they’ll soften slightly, almost like a quick pickle.
Storing leftovers safely & deliciously
Have leftovers? No problem. Once dressed, the salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. The carrots will soften a bit over time, but the flavor holds strong. For best texture, store the components separately—carrot ribbons in one container, dressing in another. Then toss them together fresh when you’re ready to eat.
This approach works wonders if you’re packing lunch for work or school. Just give it a quick shake or stir before eating. It holds up surprisingly well in the fridge, making it a low-effort, high-reward addition to your weekly meal prep.
Variations & Customizations
Turn it into a full meal with protein
One of the best things about this salad is how easily it adapts to become a main course. If you’re looking for more substance, add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even flaked salmon all work beautifully with the chili crisp and sesame dressing. For a vegetarian option, toss in crispy tofu or shelled edamame. A handful of roasted pistachios or chopped peanuts can also add protein and crunch.
Even a soft-boiled egg on top makes this feel more like a composed bowl. With that combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, the salad becomes a perfect canvas for building your lunch or light dinner. Don’t forget that serving it over cold soba noodles or quinoa also makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Flex for your pantry—no chili crisp?
Chili crisp is amazing, but if you don’t have it on hand, don’t worry. There are plenty of flavorful substitutions. A great shortcut is mixing sriracha with a touch of sesame oil and crushed red pepper flakes. You’ll get the heat and richness without needing a specialty jar.
Other tasty swaps include chili garlic sauce, sambal oiled, or even a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste stirred into some olive oil. For a nutty twist, blend a bit of tahini with chili flakes and soy sauce. These all add depth and a pleasant burn to your salad, even without the traditional crisp.
- What are the main health benefits of chili crisp carrot ribbon salad?
This salad offers a nutrient-dense punch with minimal calories. Carrots provide beta-carotene, which supports skin, eye, and immune health. Combined with fiber, heart-healthy sesame oil, and antioxidant-rich garlic and scallions, it’s a wholesome dish that promotes better digestion, lowers inflammation, and even contributes to that natural glow.Add Image - How should I store leftovers, and how long do they keep?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. For best texture, keep the carrot ribbons and dressing separate until ready to serve. If pre-mixed, the salad softens slightly but still holds flavor. It’s perfect for next-day lunches or quick meal prep.Add Image - Can I customize or add protein to make it a complete meal?
Absolutely. Add grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, edamame, or even a boiled egg to turn this side into a filling meal. It also pairs well with soba noodles or rice to create a balanced grain bowl.Add Image - What are good alternatives if I don’t have chili crisp?
Try sriracha with toasted sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek, or Calabrian chili in olive oil. Even a tahini-chili blend works if you’re after a nutty, spicy profile. These swaps still deliver that bold heat and umami punch.
Whether you first saw it on TikTok or are just discovering it now, this chili crisp carrot ribbon salad is more than just a trendy dish—it’s a keeper. With fresh, crisp vegetables, a flavor-packed dressing, and endless ways to make it your own, this salad is the kind of everyday magic I love to share.
Add it to your meal prep rotation, serve it as a side at your next dinner party, or turn it into lunch with your favorite protein. However you plate it, it’s a recipe that delivers every time—and creates those joyful, flavorful moments that make cooking feel special.
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