Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad (Printable)

Delicate carrot ribbons with citrus zest, fresh herbs, and honey form a bright, refreshing side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large carrots, peeled
02 - 1 small cucumber, seeds removed

→ Citrus

03 - 1 lemon, zest and juice
04 - 1 orange, zest and juice

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon honey
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios or almonds, chopped (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots and cucumber into long, thin ribbons. Place them in a large salad bowl.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, lemon and orange zest, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Pour the dressing over the carrot and cucumber ribbons. Add the chopped mint and parsley. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 15 minutes, which means you can make it while your main course finishes cooking.
  • The citrus and herbs make the salad feel elegant without requiring any special skills or fancy ingredients.
  • It stays fresh and crisp even if you make it an hour ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
02 -
  • Peel your carrots right before serving—if you let the ribbons sit too long in the dressing, they'll start to soften and lose their textural appeal.
  • Don't skip tasting the dressing before it touches the vegetables because the balance of sweet, salty, and acidic is what makes this salad sing.
03 -
  • If your carrots feel limp, soak the ribbons in ice water for 10 minutes before dressing them to restore their crispness.
  • Toast your nuts in a dry pan for two minutes right before serving so they release their oils and taste much more flavorful.
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