Viral Carrot Salad - Spicy, Crunchy, and Totally Addictive (TikTok-Inspired and Meal Prep-Ready)
Inspired by TikTok, this spicy and crunchy viral carrot salad combines shredded carrots with chili crisp, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions for a flavor-packed side or snack. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and meal prep-ready—perfect for adding heat and crunch to your week!
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots peeled and shredded or spiralized
- 2 cloves garlic finely grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp or chili oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari gluten-free option
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Pinch of sugar or maple syrup optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. Shred or spiralize them into thin strips and place in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix garlic, chili oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and sugar (if using).
- Toss Together: Pour the dressing over the carrots. Toss thoroughly until well coated.
- Chill or Serve: Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors, or refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Viral Carrot Salad
1. Use a julienne peeler for perfect texture:For that signature crunch in your spicy carrot salad, a julienne peeler or spiralizer helps create long, thin carrot strands that absorb flavor better than thick slices. It makes a big difference in both taste and presentation. 2. Let it sit before serving:
This TikTok-inspired carrot salad gets even more addictive after resting for 15–30 minutes. It gives the chili crisp, garlic, and sesame oil time to soak into the shredded carrots, making the flavor more intense and satisfying. 3. Toast your sesame seeds:
Don’t skip this step! Toasted sesame seeds add an earthy depth and crunchy bite that takes this gluten-free carrot salad to the next level. Toast them in a dry skillet until golden for maximum aroma. 4. Adjust the heat to your liking:
If you love spice, go big with extra chili crisp or red pepper flakes. For a milder version that still delivers bold flavor, try sweet chili sauce or a drizzle of honey to balance the heat in this spicy carrot salad. 5. Make it a meal prep hero:
Double the batch and store it in airtight containers—it holds up for up to 4 days. This makes it one of the easiest meal prep carrot salad recipes to add into your weekly lunch routine. 6. Upgrade with add-ins:
For extra crunch and nutrition, toss in shredded purple cabbage, roasted peanuts, or even cooked edamame. These ingredients add fiber and protein to your high-fiber carrot salad without losing that signature crunch. 7. Use garlic paste for smoother mixing:
Minced garlic is great, but garlic paste blends more evenly into the dressing and prevents harsh bites. It’s perfect for building bold but balanced flavor in this Asian-inspired carrot salad.