Shaved Carrot Salad with Goat Cheese

June 6, 2025

By Millie Pham

It’s crunchy, creamy, and way fancier than it has any right to be.

You know those recipes that look super pretty but are secretly the easiest thing ever? Yeah, this shaved carrot salad with goat cheese is that kind of magic. It takes just a few ingredients and turns them into something you’ll wanna eat straight out of the bowl (no judgment). Light, fresh, and just the right amount of creamy from the goat cheese—it’s perfect for lunch, brunch, or as a simple side.

💜 Why I Love This Recipe

This salad came from one of those “clean out the fridge” moments. I had carrots, a leftover log of goat cheese, and a lemon. I tossed it all together and suddenly felt like I was eating at a cute café. It’s become my go-to ever since.

🧀 Creamy and tangy from the goat cheese
🥕 Sweet and crunchy from the carrots
🍋 Bright and refreshing from the lemon dressing
🌿 Super versatile—works with everything
⏱️ Takes 10 minutes, no cooking required

🍽 Servings & Time

Servings: 2 (as a side)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0
Total Time: 10 minutes

📊 Macros per serving (approx.)

Calories: 180
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 13g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Shaving the carrots makes them tender but still crisp, kind of like a veggie noodle. The lemon juice breaks down their texture just slightly and adds brightness, while goat cheese brings in richness and tang. Olive oil helps coat everything so each bite is full of flavor.

🧾 What You’ll Need

2 large carrots, peeled
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of salt
Cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme

ingredients: peeled whole carrots on a small plate, crumbled goat cheese on a small plate, olive oil in a small plate, fresh lemon juice in a tiny plate, honey in a tiny plate, salt and black pepper in pinch dishes, and chopped parsley on a small plate, all stored in unlabeled jars or plates

👨‍🍳 How to Make Shaved Carrot Salad with Goat Cheese

Step 1: Shave the Carrots

Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into thin ribbons. Keep shaving down the sides until you reach the core.

carrot ribbons shaved into thin strips with a vegetable peeler, ribbons piled loosely on a small plate

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper being whisked into a smooth dressing in a small bowl, light and glossy texture

Step 3: Toss the Carrots

Add the shaved carrots to a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.

shaved carrots in a glass bowl with lemon dressing being gently tossed, ribbons glistening with oil, texture soft and flexible

Step 4: Add Goat Cheese

Top the dressed carrots with crumbled goat cheese and gently toss again or leave some on top for garnish.

crumbled goat cheese being sprinkled over the dressed carrot ribbons, some pieces melting slightly into the dressing, creamy white against vibrant orange, on white marble counters with hints of gold

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the salad to a serving plate and top with chopped herbs if using.

finished carrot salad with goat cheese and fresh herbs plated neatly, textures showing creamy crumbles and curled carrots

🧠 Meal Plan Ideas

Add chickpeas or white beans for more protein
Serve with grilled chicken or fish
Tuck into a wrap with greens
Use as a topping for grain bowls
Makes a pretty appetizer with crusty bread

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using carrots that are too thick – they won’t shave nicely
Skipping the honey – that little sweetness makes a big difference
Adding goat cheese too early – it can get mushy if tossed too much
Not enough dressing – carrots need moisture to stay tender
Serving too cold – room temp brings out the flavor better

🍽 What to Serve With

Grilled lemon chicken
Lentil soup
Quiche or frittata
Toasted baguette slices
Falafel and pita

❓ FAQ

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
You can, but shaved carrots give way better texture.

What can I sub for goat cheese?
Try feta, ricotta salata, or even a soft blue cheese.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, just add the goat cheese right before serving.

Is this good cold or room temp?
Room temp is best for flavor, but cold is still tasty.

Can I add greens?
Totally! Arugula or spinach work great.

💬 Wrap-Up

This shaved carrot salad with goat cheese is simple, elegant, and honestly kind of addicting. The combo of sweet, creamy, and tangy just hits the spot. Give it a try, then come back and tell me what you paired it with—I always love new ideas!