The era of sad salads is officially over. Thanks to TikTok legends like Cassie Yeung, ribbon salads are having a major moment. Her viral carrot salad, first posted in April, helped launch a trend that’s all about transforming everyday veggies into something colorful, crunchy, and surprisingly elegant. With just a veggie peeler and a little creativity, creators are turning zucchini, cucumber, carrots, and even beets, into light, summery dishes that feel straight out of a fancy cafe. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting a backyard hangout, these ribbon salads are easy to whip up and impossible not to love.
TikTok father-son duo @saltNpiipa brings the flavor with their salad recipe, giving a fresh take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich. Carrot and daikon ribbons are tossed with sliced jalapeno, bean sprouts, chopped green onion, cilantro, and sesame seeds, then dressed in a simple sweet-and-sour mix of water, sugar, and rice vinegar. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and totally craveable.
TikTok user @waleeasadi serves up a refreshing cucumber and carrot ribbon salad that’s bursting with color and flavor. Thinly sliced red onion, radish, parsley, and green onion round out the mix, but the real star is the lemon ginger dressing that’s made from pulped ginger and fresh lemon juice. Add in the salt, and olive oil, and you’ve got a citrusy meal perfect for summer.
🥕RAINBOW CARROT SALAD🥕 Recipe by @veggiefoodjoe Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavour! This Rainbow Ribbon Salad is a simple yet stunning dish made with vibrant carrots, crunchy pistachios, zesty lemon, and a touch of sumac for a citrusy kick. Perfect for an Easter side dish or a quick snack served with hummus on a slice of toasted sourdough Carrots are a particularly good source of beta-carotene, fibre, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. Plus, they’re low in calories. They also have several health benefits. They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health. Ingredients: 6 mixed coloured carrots 30g pistachios chopped A few mint leaves 1 tsp sumac 2 tbsp olive oil Juice and zest of1 lemon Bunch parsley chopped Method: 1. Make long thin strips from the carrots using a peeler. I find the best way is to hold the carrot at the top with a fork on a chopping board, this holds the carrot steady 2. Mix together the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, sumac and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Add the carrots and mix together. You can serve immediately but it’s best to wait about an hour and the carrots will marinade and soften slightly 4. Serve the carrots on a serving plate and top with pistachios and extra parsley and a few mint leaves #carrotsalad#carrots#rainbowcarrots#ribboncarrots#rainbowcarrotsalad#eattherainbow#HealthyRecipes#easterrecipes#VeganEats#RainbowSalad
This bright and earthy salad recipe is almost too pretty to eat. TikTok user @veggiefoodjoe tosses it with chopped pistachios, fresh mint, parsley, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sumac, it’s a citrusy, herb-forward dish with a pop of crunch in every bite.
This viral Chili Carrot Ribbon Salad, inspired by @Cassie, is the tastiest way to eat through a whole bag of carrots. Ingredients: 6-10 carrots, peeled and ribboned. 3 scallions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, grated 1 tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp sesame oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp chili crisp Directions: 1) Peel and ribbon your carrots and place into a large bowl. Add sliced green onion, grated garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili crisp. 2) Mix and then massage the carrots with your hands to soften the carrots. #DinnerIdeas#healthyrecipes#EasyRecipe#carrot#saladrecipe#ribbonsalad
Matthew Francis from @eatingwell brings the umami with this spicy sesame carrot ribbon salad that packs serious flavor. Carrot ribbons are tossed with sliced scallions, grated garlic cloves, sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and a generous spoonful of chili crisp for that perfect kick. It’s bold, balanced, and super satisfying.
This cucumber ribbon salad is crunchy, fresh and light with big, bold flavors. We’ve got ribbons of cucumber, radish, avocado, crispy quinoa, lots of fresh mint and cilantro with an addicting sesame miso dressing. Would be so good with grilled shrimp or sesame crusted ahi tuna! Use an english cucumber because it has less seeds. Cut off each end and peel it into long strips using a vegetable peeler. Thinly slice the radish and avocado. Add lots of fresh mint and cilantro. Top with some crispy quinoa and a drizzle of the miso sesame dressing. Later this week I’ll be posting a reel on crispy quinoa if you’ve never made it. I love it as a topping on healthy bowls and salads for added crunch. Sesame miso dressing: 2 tbsp miso 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari 4 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 tsp honey or maple syrup 1 tsp grated ginger 1/2 grated garlic Water or neutral oil like avocado oil until desired consistency 2 tsp sesame seeds #SpringSalad#EasyLunch#ViralSalad#HealthyEats#CucumberSalad#AvocadoLovers#CrispyQuinoa#MisoDressing
This cucumber and radish ribbon salad is all about contrast, giving cool, crunchy, creamy, and crispy in every bite. With avocado, fresh herbs, and crispy quinoa on top, the real game-changer is @thetoastedtable’s sesame miso dressing. It’s made with miso, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a blend of aromatics and sweeteners. It’s addictive on its own, but she suggests pairing it with grilled shrimp or sesame-crusted ahi tuna for a next-level meal.
two viral salads walked into my kitchen… and became best friends 🤝🥗 🌈 crispy rice colored pink with leftover beet juice for a little antioxidant boost 🥒 cucumber & green onion 🥕 raw rainbow carrots for fiber and skin support 🥑 avocado for healthy fats 🌶 creamy, spicy lemon tahini dressing to bring it all together for the rice: take cooked rice, toss with a little oil and coconut aminos. spread on a sheet pan with parchment paper & bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes. watch closely and toss half way through to prevent burning! for the dressing: 1/4 cup tahini 1/2 lemon juiced 1 tbsp ACV 2 tbsp sriracha a few splashes of coconut aminos a little water to thin pinch of sea salt if need (taste after adding the aminos to see) SAVE my pink crispy rice & carrot ribbon salad for when you’re looking for a recipe to boost your skin, hormones & gut health 🩷 #wellness#crispyrice#rawcarrotsalad#saladrecipe#easyrecipe#glowyskin#skincare#skincaretips#trending#viralrecipe
TikTok user @thenaturalwonder puts a creative spin on the trend with her crispy rice + ribbon salad fusion. Featuring cucumber and carrot ribbons layered over beet-dyed crispy rice, it’s topped with green onion, avocado, and a spicy lemon tahini dressing made from tahini, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, and coconut aminos.
Of course we had to bring it back 🥭🥒 Crisp cucumber ribbons, sweet mango, green onions, a little heat from green chili, and a zesty lime-ginger dressing. It’s hydrating, light, and surprisingly satisfying. But what takes this salad to the next level of hormone nourishment? Beeya seed cycling blends. Ever heard of it? Seed cycling rotates four seeds throughout your menstrual cycle to help tackle symptoms of hormonal imbalance including PMS, bloating, fatigue, low libido, cramps, and more. It’s one of the simplest ways to support your cycle. Just add one scoop to the food you already eat every day, no extra effort required with our 100% organic, clinically tested, ready-made blends. Comment “BALANCE” for details to experience the power of seed cycling for yourself! 🌱 CUCUMBER MANGO SALAD Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Ingredients: ✨ 1 English cucumber ✨ 1 ripe mango ✨ 2 green onions, sliced ✨ 1 green chili pepper, sliced ✨ 1 tsp grated fresh ginger ✨ 1 lime, juiced and zested ✨ 1 Tbsp fish sauce ✨ 1 Tbsp sesame oil ✨ Handful of chopped cilantro ✨ beeya seed cycling blends (optional topping) Steps: 1️⃣ Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons of cucumber and mango. 2️⃣ Toss ribbons with green onions and chili in a bowl. 3️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, lime juice, zest, fish sauce, sesame oil, and cilantro. 4️⃣ Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Add salt to taste. 5️⃣ Sprinkle with beeya for a hormone-loving crunch 🌱
This recipe brings sweet and spicy vibes. With cucumber and mango ribbons tossed with slice green onion and green chili pepper, @beeyawellness’s salad gets a flavor boost from a zesty lime-ginger dressing made with lime juice and zest, fresh ginger, fish sauce, sesame oil, and cilantro.
Zucchini ribbon salad! A fun healthy delicious salad that’s really easy to make! If you’re tired of your same old boring salad you have to make this! You can make this with only zucchini or only gold bar squash or mix and match! Also feel free to add whatever you want to it! . What would you add to this? . 2 zucchini 2 gold bar squash 1 lemon zested 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup chopped herbs (I used dill and cilantro but use whatever you want) 1 oz shaved Parmesan to top . Dressing: 1 lemon juiced 2 oz olive oil 1/4 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper . Using a vegetable peeler, shave the sides of the zucchini and gold bar squash (rotate the squash every 3-4 peels) once you reach the seeds stop. Add remaining ingredients into a bowl and top with dressing. . Hats @crownminded Spices www.arazada.com . #chefarazada#abowww#salad#saladrecipe#zucchinisalad#zucchiniribbonsalad#fitfood#gymfood#healthyrecipes
This salad really gives peak farmers market energy. TikTok user @chefarazada mixes ribboned zucchini and gold bar squash with juicy cherry tomatoes, chopped herbs, and shaved parmesan. It’s all tied together with a simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
This “12 Layers of Anxiety” salad might not be what your dietitian had in mind but it’s definitely a showstopper. TikTok user @thatmidwesternmom’s Jell-O ribbon salad is made from alternating layers of rainbow-colored Jell-O and creamy milk gelatin (a combo of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and gelatin powder), it’s equal parts nostalgic and unhinged. If you’re like me and can only appreciate raw veggies with your eyes and not your gut, maybe this type of ribbon salad is more your style.
Who knew ribbon salads could serve up serious color theory? TikTok user @thesaladlab’s recipe features rainbow carrots, shaved beets, crisp apples, watermelon and Easter radishes, plus a base of spring mix and toasted pecans. This salad doesn’t just taste good, it looks like it belongs in a gallery. It’s all brought together with a tangy, cider vinaigrette.
🥒🎀🥗Episode 20 of “Salads to look forward to”: Shaved Courgette ribbon salad by @healthy_floflo Reasons to love this recipe: ✅ super refreshing 🤩 ✅ raw ribbon courgette is my favourite way to enjoy them ✅ gut health friendly ✅ seasonal Ingredients for 2 portions: ▪️2 Courgettes ▪️1 can butter beans (400g) ▪️150g pasta ▪️20-30g Parmesan cheese ▪️Handful of toasted pinenuts Seasoning: Extra virgin olive oil 1/2 Lemon, juice and zest Salt and pepper Instructions: 🎀With a potato peeler shave the courgettes and add to a bowl. Add a pinch of salt, mix and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. The courgette will “sweat” out some of their water, pat dry with kitchen roll (some of the water is ok to keep for their nutrients and flavour). 🎀To a large salad bowl add the courgette ribbons, beans, cooked pasta and the rest of the ingredients. 🎀Season and mix.
This courgette ribbon pasta salad is a hearty twist on the trend. TikTok user @healthy_floflo’s pairs the delicate zucchini ribbons with butter beans, pasta, parmesan, and toasted pine nuts, then ties it all together with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper. It’s simple, satisfying, and screams summer lunch goals.
This mango jicama salad might not be a textbook ribbon salad, but it brings the same crunchy, colorful vibe. Made with shredded jicama, diced mango, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, garlic powder, pepper, and tajin, it’s bright with a spicy twist. TikTok user @vegabites4 levels it up with a fiery mango-habanero dressing that’s not for the faint of heart.
Nadi Meyer is part of the National Writer program at Spoon University, where they focus on exploring the ever-evolving world of food trends. From viral TikTok drinks to unexpected brand collabs, they break down what’s buzzing in the food space and why it’s capturing attention. In addition to trend coverage, Nadi occasionally dabbles in recipe development, bringing a creative twist to flavors that catch their interest.
Before joining Spoon University, Nadi spent nearly a decade in retail, where they sharpened their communication skills and developed a natural flair for sales pitches. From bookstore and grocery aisles to department stores and even a stint in video game management, their work experience is as versatile as it is people-focused. Nadi graduated from Brightpoint Community College in August 2022 with an associate’s degree in General Studies and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Media Production and Criticism at George Mason University. They expect to graduate in late 2025. Their roots in storytelling run deep, as Nadi also played a key role in rebuilding the journalism program at Thomas Dale High School, where they graduated with an advanced diploma in 2017.
Outside of writing, Nadi can usually be found hanging out with their nine-year-old rescue dog, Tiger, who’s equal parts anxious and adorable. A proud member of the cozy gaming community, they unwind with titles like “Palworld,” “Fields of Mistria,” and “Stardew Valley.” When they’re not farming for virtual wheat or battling in the mines, Nadi enjoys flexing their creative muscles through crafting and digital design, often diving into Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s curating vibes in a game or on the page, Nadi is always chasing the perfect mix of comfort and creativity.
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