Asian Shredded Vegetable Salad with Sesame Dressing

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Dish Overview

This is a fresh, crunchy Asian-style shredded vegetable salad made with thinly sliced carrots, beets, cucumber, and herbs, tossed in a savory–tangy sesame dressing and finished with toasted sesame seeds. It’s light, colorful, and packed with texture—perfect as a side dish or a healthy main.

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Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Vegetables

• 2 medium carrots, julienned

• 1 small beet, julienned

• 1 cucumber, julienned

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh mint or parsley (optional)

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Sesame Dressing

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil)

• 1 tsp honey or sugar

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp chili flakes or fresh chili (optional)

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Garnish

• 1–2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• Extra herbs (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and peel carrots and beet.

• Julienne all vegetables into thin, even strips for best texture.

• Place everything into a large mixing bowl.

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2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce

• Rice vinegar (or lime juice)

• Sesame oil

• Neutral oil

• Honey or sugar

• Minced garlic

• Chili (if using)

Taste and adjust:

• More vinegar for tang

• More honey for sweetness

• More chili for heat

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3. Toss the Salad

• Pour dressing over vegetables.

• Toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.

• Let rest 5–10 minutes so flavors absorb slightly.

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4. Finish & Serve

• Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds.

• Add extra herbs if desired.

• Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

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Texture & Flavor Notes

• Crunchy: Fresh julienned vegetables

• Savory: Soy sauce + sesame oil

• Bright: Vinegar or citrus

• Nutty: Toasted sesame seeds

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Variations

• Protein add-on: Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp

• Korean-style: Add gochujang (½–1 tsp) to dressing

• Thai-style: Use fish sauce + lime + palm sugar

• Low-sodium: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos

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Serving Ideas

• Side dish for grilled meat or seafood

• Light lunch on its own

• Topping for rice bowls or noodle bowls