If you're still among those who associate carrots with bunnies, school lunches, or early 2000s diets, it's time for an upgrade. TikTok has worked its magic again, introducing the world to the it salad of the spring—a carrot salad that's not only refreshing and elegantly simple, but also insanely delicious. What happens when the humble carrot gets an Asian twist with notes of sesame and soy sauce? Culinary ecstasy in the form of a salad that's more photogenic than most influencers.
Forget about guilt-ridden salads. The days of salad being something you “have to eat” are over. A viral carrot salad took TikTok by storm in a matter of days, racking up over a million views and – let’s be honest – becoming a salad trend. BeyoncéThis recipe is a pure triumph: absurdly simple, but with a flavor that teleports you somewhere between a Tokyo street stall and a California wellness retreat.
The enthusiasm is not surprising. The recipe has won over all generations of TikTokers – from teenagers looking for an “aesthetic lunch” to moms who have swapped Pinterest for reels and are now serving salad as a lifestyle statement.
@cassyeungmoneyno carrot will go to waste♬ original sound – Cassie
What do you need? You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
- 4 large carrots (cut them with a peeler – strips are the new julienne)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped (because onion is out and shallot is haute)
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil (yes, the one that smells more luxurious than half the perfumery)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (umami: a word that everyone now uses, even if they don't know exactly what it means)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (for that refreshing “ping!” of taste buds)
- grated lemon zest + juice of one small lemon
- 1 tablespoon of roasted sesame seeds (because texture is the new Instagram filter)
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh coriander (if you are the anti-cilantro team – don’t panic, parsley will do its job without any drama)
Carrot salad: How to prepare it?
You mix everything together in a large bowl, let it sit for a few minutes to “meet” (read: marinate), and that’s it. You can serve the salad right away – or let it sit for a bit longer to develop its full flavor character. Either way, your story will be ready. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, but the enjoyment lasts much longer.
What makes this salad so good? extra?
It's the perfect balance of freshness, acidity, sesame "wow effect" and an Asian twist that elevates the salad above the usual vegetable mixes from the fridge. So light you can eat it every day, but at the same time elegant enough for brunch with the pickiest of friends.
And while there are almost no calories, the taste is absolutely luxurious – which is a rare combination, almost as rare as an influencer without sponsored posts.
Bonus upgrade tip
Want to turn a salad into a full meal? Add some cooked quinoa or rice, a handful of edamame beans, and a soft-boiled egg on top. And suddenly you're no longer just someone who "throws something together for lunch"—you're a master of the TikTok Buddha bowl aesthetic.
A new definition of carrot salad
Who would have thought that the star of this spring would be… carrots? But combined with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of fresh coriander, this salad has gone more than just viral – it’s become iconIf you haven't jumped on that crunchy train yet, now is the perfect time. And yes, let's be honest: Carrots have never been so sexy.
