1-First step: prep the carrots and herbs Wash, peel, and trim the ends of the carrots. Use a vegetable peeler to shave them into long ribbons. Hold each carrot firmly on a cutting board and peel away from your body for safety. You want thin, even strips that feel tender but still crisp. Next, finely chop the scallions, cilantro, and basil. Keep the herbs dry if possible, since excess moisture can water down the dressing. If your carrot ribbons are extra long, you can cut them into shorter pieces so the salad is easier to eat.

2-Second step: make the sesame dressing In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, tamari or soy sauce, white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until the miso breaks down and the dressing looks smooth. This dressing should taste tangy, salty, nutty, and slightly spicy. If you want a milder version, start with half the sriracha and add more after tasting. If you want a sweeter salad, add a tiny pinch more coconut sugar. For gluten free eaters, tamari is the best swap. If the dressing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it.

3-Third step: toss the salad Place the shaved carrots in a large mixing bowl. Add the scallions, cilantro, basil, and toasted sesame seeds. Pour in the dressing and toss gently with tongs or clean hands until every ribbon is coated. Try not to crush the carrots, since the texture is part of what makes this shaved rainbow carrot salad so good. At this stage, taste a ribbon and adjust if needed. A little extra rice vinegar can brighten the salad, while a bit more tamari can deepen the savory flavor. If you like more heat, add another small squeeze of sriracha.

4-Fourth step: let the flavors blend Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This short rest gives the carrots time to soften slightly and absorb the sesame dressing. The salad will still stay crisp, but the flavor will be much better after a brief marinate. If you are making this for a party, you can prep the carrot ribbons and dressing separately ahead of time, then toss just before serving. That keeps the texture fresh and bright. This is also useful for busy parents, students, and working professionals who want a quick side dish without last minute stress.

5-Final step: serve and finish Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle a few extra toasted sesame seeds on top if you want more crunch. A few herb leaves on the surface also make the dish look fresh and inviting. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.