Fish Free Carrot Ribbon Salad with Basil-Herb Dressing
Bright, fresh, and genuinely stunning on a plate, this carrot ribbon salad is the kind of dish that makes people stop and ask what you did differently. Wide, translucent carrot ribbons are tossed with whole basil leaves and parsley, then coated in a golden dressing built from olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, and ginger — warm spice meeting bright citrus in the best possible way. A short rest at room temperature lets the ribbons soften just enough to soak up every bit of that herby, fragrant dressing without losing their delicate texture. For anyone navigating fish-free eating, salads at restaurants or from the deli counter can be a minefield of hidden anchovies in dressings or Caesar-style bases — here, every single ingredient is straightforward and plant-based, so there's nothing to second-guess. The optional toasted coconut flakes on top add a subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness that makes the whole bowl feel a little more special. It's light enough to serve alongside a main course but bold enough to hold its own as a standalone lunch.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 lb large carrots (about 4–5 medium), peeled
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
For the dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 small clove garlic, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For serving
- 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes (optional)
- fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Using a vegetable peeler, draw it firmly along the length of each peeled carrot to shave off long, wide ribbons, rotating the carrot a quarter-turn after every few passes. Continue until you reach the thin core, then set the core aside or discard. Place the ribbons in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, turmeric, ginger, and salt until the dressing is uniform and slightly emulsified.
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