Daikon Carrot Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This refreshing Daikon Carrot Salad is bright, crisp, and bursting with flavor. Tossed in a zesty sesame ginger dressing, it makes a perfect light side dish or a healthy snack.

Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 daikon radish (about the same size as the carrots)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 large garlic clove, grated or minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Clean and peel the daikon radish and carrots.
- Step 2: Using a vegetable peeler, shave the daikon and carrots into thin ribbons. Press each vegetable against a cutting board and carefully peel away from your body. Place the ribbons in a large bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated garlic, grated ginger, salt (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon), and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the shaved vegetables, add the sesame seeds, and toss well to combine.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro.
- Try substituting rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s best eaten fresh but the flavors will develop slightly after resting. If the salad becomes watery, drain any excess liquid before serving. Avoid longer storage to keep the vegetables crisp. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of radish instead of daikon?
Yes, you can substitute daikon with other radishes like red or watermelon radishes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Daikon is milder and crisper, which works best in this salad.
How do I peel and shave the vegetables safely?
Use a sharp vegetable peeler and always peel by moving away from your body to avoid injury. Press the vegetable firmly against a cutting board to keep it stable while shaving thin ribbons.
PrintDaikon Carrot Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
A refreshing and crunchy Daikon Carrot Salad tossed in a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. This quick and easy salad features thin ribbons of carrot and daikon radish, lightly dressed with toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh garlic, and ginger, then sprinkled with sesame seeds. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer, it offers a delightful balance of textures and an invigorating Asian-inspired flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium daikon radish (about equal volume to carrots)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 large garlic clove, grated or minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- Salt & pepper to taste (about ¼ – ½ teaspoon salt)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the veggies: Clean and peel the daikon radish and carrots. Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin ribbons of the peeled carrots and daikon radish by pressing the vegetables against a cutting board and slicing away from your body. Place the shaved vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add salt (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the dressing ingredients evenly.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the shaved carrots and daikon radish. Add the sesame seeds and toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or refrigerate: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest texture and flavor, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving if chilled.
Notes
- Rice vinegar adds a mild tang and sweetness; you can substitute with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding them to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge up to one day.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger depending on your preference for pungency.
Keywords: daikon radish salad, carrot salad, sesame ginger dressing, vegan salad, Asian side dish, quick salad, no-cook salad

