Asian Carrot Salad With Peanut Dressing

Looking for a salad that breaks from the usual routine? This Asian-style salad pairs crunchy carrot strips, cucumber and scallions with a peanut butter dressing brightened by soy sauce and lemon. It’s colorful, easy to make, and works as a light lunch or as a side dish.

Serves 4

For the salad

4 large carrots

2 cucumbers

3 scallions

A handful of chopped cilantro

¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the dressing

2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey or silan (date syrup)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 to 3 tablespoons water

½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional)

Method

1. Peel the carrots and cut them into thin strips with a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
2. Cut the cucumbers into thin strips and slice the scallions into rings.
3. Place the vegetables in a large bowl and add the cilantro.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey or silan, sesame oil and ginger, if using.
5. Add the water a little at a time, stirring until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
6. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well.
7. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds, and serve.