I love creating dishes that are simple yet bursting with freshness, and this Carrot Ribbon & Orange Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing is exactly that.
It’s one of those go-to recipes I make when I want something bright, beautiful, and refreshing on the table in minutes.
The sweet crunch of carrot ribbons, juicy citrus, and a cooling minty yogurt drizzle makes it a winner for summer lunches, potlucks, or anytime you need a palate cleanser with a pop of color.
This refreshing salad combines large, peeled carrots and peeled, segmented oranges, creating a vibrant dish perfect for warm weather.
The mint yogurt dressing, made with plain Greek yogurt, finely chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest, adds a creamy and zesty touch.
What is a Carrot Ribbon Salad?
A carrot ribbon salad is a visually striking salad made by shaving whole carrots into thin, wide ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
These delicate strips bring a fun texture and elegant presentation to your dish. When paired with fresh herbs, fruits, or nuts, it creates a light and vibrant alternative to traditional chopped salads.
Refreshing Carrot and Orange Salad
The Carrot Ribbon & Orange Salad is a delightful combination of large peeled carrots and peeled and segmented oranges.
This vibrant dish is perfect for warm weather, offering a refreshing taste that brightens any meal.
The thinly sliced carrot ribbons intertwine beautifully with juicy orange segments, creating a colorful presentation that is sure to impress.
Flavorful Mint Yogurt Dressing
This salad is complemented by a creamy mint yogurt dressing that adds a zesty touch.
Made with plain Greek yogurt, finely chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest, the dressing brings a delightful creaminess to the dish.
Seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, it perfectly balances the sweetness of the oranges and the earthiness of the carrots.
Recipe Highlights
This salad combines crisp, sweet carrots with citrusy brightness and a tangy, creamy dressing.
The contrast in texture between the juicy orange segments and the tender carrot ribbons is both refreshing and satisfying.
The mint yogurt dressing adds a cooling balance, perfect for warm days or as a light accompaniment to heavier meals.
- Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required
. - Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
. - Stunning presentation for entertaining
. - Great for brunches, picnics, or light dinners
Highlights:
- No cook, no fuss
. - Colorful and photogenic
. - Nutrient-packed and low-calorie
. - Refreshing minty flavor
Ingredient Notes
- Carrots – Choose large, firm carrots for best ribbon texture. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with citrus.
. - Oranges – Use seedless navel or Cara Cara oranges. The segments add juicy pops of flavor.
. - Greek Yogurt – Thick and creamy, it forms the base for the dressing and brings protein and tang.
. - Fresh Mint – Finely chopped, it infuses the dressing with bright herbal freshness.
. - Honey – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tang of the yogurt and citrus.
. - Lemon Juice – Enhances the yogurt dressing and keeps the carrots fresh.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is a straightforward process that takes only about 15 minutes.
Start by using a vegetable peeler or mandoline to create thin ribbons from the large peeled carrots.
Next, carefully peel and segment the oranges, ensuring to remove any seeds for a smooth texture.
Assembling the Salad
Once the vegetables are prepared, it’s time to assemble the salad.
In a large bowl, toss the carrot ribbons and orange segments together gently.
Drizzle the mint yogurt dressing over the top and mix to combine, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy goodness.
How to Make This Recipe
- Prepare Carrot Ribbons:
Peel the carrots, then use the vegetable peeler to shave long, thin ribbons. Place in a bowl of ice water to curl slightly (optional).
. - Segment the Oranges:
Use a paring knife to cut away the peel and pith from the oranges. Slice between the membranes to release segments.
. - Make the Mint Yogurt Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
. - Assemble the Salad:
Drain and pat the carrot ribbons dry. Toss gently with orange segments. Drizzle with the mint yogurt dressing.
. - Garnish and Serve:
Top with extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Transfer the salad to a rustic serving platter for an inviting presentation.
Garnish with extra mint leaves for a fresh finish that enhances the visual appeal.
This salad can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a light meal, making it versatile for various occasions.
This salad makes a refreshing starter or side. Try pairing it with:
- Grilled salmon or white fish
. - Herbed couscous or quinoa
. - Tomato soup or gazpacho
. - Chickpea patties or falafel
Enjoying the Experience
With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this Carrot Ribbon & Orange Salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
The combination of textures and tastes creates a delightful experience that is both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether enjoyed on a sunny day or as a light dinner option, this salad is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Tips for the Best Carrot Ribbon & Orange Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
Use the freshest carrots you can find—they’re easier to peel into ribbons and taste sweeter. Ice water helps the ribbons curl for a pretty presentation.
When segmenting oranges, make sure to remove all pith for a cleaner, juicier bite. For the dressing, chop the mint very finely so it distributes evenly and doesn’t overpower.
Chill the salad before serving if you can—it makes everything taste more vibrant.
Carrot Ribbon & Orange Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
Course: Salad / SideCuisine: Mediterranean-InspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes120
kcalThe Carrot Ribbon & Orange Salad features thinly sliced carrot ribbons intertwined with juicy orange segments, all topped with a mint yogurt dressing. This salad is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful balance of flavors. It serves as a great side dish or a light meal, garnished with extra mint leaves for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
4 large carrots, peeled
2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
One-half cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
One-fourth teaspoon salt
Optional: lemon zest and extra mint leaves for garnish
Directions
- Use a vegetable peeler to create wide carrot ribbons from peeled carrots. Optional: soak in ice water for 5 minutes to help them curl, then drain and pat dry.
- Segment the oranges by cutting off the peel and slicing between the membranes to release each wedge.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, honey, and salt until smooth.
- Arrange carrot ribbons and orange segments on a platter or in a bowl.
- Drizzle the salad with mint yogurt dressing.
- Garnish with additional mint leaves and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can swap oranges for blood oranges or mandarins for a twist in flavor and color.
- Add pistachios or almonds for crunch.
- For a vegan version, use coconut yogurt and maple syrup instead of Greek yogurt and honey.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be eaten at room temp.
Storage of Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If dressing separately, store the yogurt dressing in a small container and drizzle just before serving.
The carrots may soften over time, but the flavor remains fresh. Do not freeze.
