Credits: Social Media
I tried TikTok’s viral Raw Carrot Salad, and it’s the perfect healthy snack
Who said eating healthy had to be boring? When you’re trying to be good, you don’t have to reach for an apple every time you want a snack. TikTok is a great place to find quick and nutritious recipes that you would never think to make – like the Raw Carrot Salad.
The simple but tasty dish surfaced on social media in 2023, but it’s suddenly gone viral again this month, so I decided to give it a try. It will certainly become a staple in my diet, and a dietician told The Focus it’s stacked with health benefits too.
TikTok’s Raw Carrot Salad Recipe
The carrot salad is an Asian-inspired dish consisting of raw pieces of shaved carrot with a mixture of different flavorings.
Ingredients:
- 3 large carrots
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup
- Big squeeze lemon or lime juice
- Sesame seeds
- Pinch salt
- Handful fresh coriander
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I made the viral recipe at home
I made the viral carrot salad at home and it’s the simplest thing I think I’ve ever cooked – there are just two steps!
Method:
- Thinly shave the carrots using a peeler
- Add all of the other ingredients and mix
It only takes about five minutes all together and the result is a super fresh, cold, crunchy salad that makes the perfect snack. The recipe reminds me of the vegetables you get inside a Japanese Bento Box or Poke Bowl, and it’s so delicious.
I like eating carrot sticks on their own, but the soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, vinegar and maple syrup add so much yummy flavor, and a touch of sweetness. You can eat it at home or pack it inside a lunch box to take on the go whenever you feel a little peckish.
Dietician reveals health benefits
We spoke to registered dietitian Ana Reisdorf, who told The Focus that the carrot salad is full of heath benefits.
“Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, the plant-form of vitamin A,” she said, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. They are also a source of fiber which supports digestion and weight management.
Sesame oil provides antioxidants and healthy unsaturated fats, which can help manage cholesterol levels and support a healthy heart, and the acetic acid in the vinegar supports healthy blood sugar. Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which helps with immune system function, skin health, and iron absorption.
The use of soy sauce adds flavor without adding too many calories. However, Reisdorf recommended using the low-sodium kind as it’s high in salt. She also said that maple syrup contains some minerals and antioxidants, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
The carrot salad is a tasty recipe, but it’s very low in calories and protein, so it should never be consumed on its own as a meal. The dietitian recommended eating it as a side dish next to some salmon or chicken.
Ana Reisdorf founded The Food Trends, a website which talks about all things trending in food from a registered dietician’s point of view.
