Shaved Root Ribbon Salad

Named for the peeler technique that turns sturdy roots into silky ribbons, this American lunch salad pairs carrots, parsnips, and golden beets with crisp apple. Fresh herbs, goat cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds finish it with bright, earthy contrast.

Serves 4 · 25 min prep

Estimate for one serving

• 285 cal
• 8g protein
• 28g carbs
• 17g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 3 medium carrots
• 2 medium parsnips
• 2 small golden beets
• 1 large apple
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 6 leaves fresh sage leaves
• 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups baby arugula

Instructions

1. 1Scrub the carrots, parsnips, and golden beets well under cool water; peel only if skins are tough. Using a sharp peeler or mandoline, shave long thin ribbons from each root, rotating as you go until you reach the woody core; discard cores.
2. 2Core the apple and shave it into thin ribbons the same way, working quickly so the fruit stays crisp and bright. Place all root and apple ribbons in a large mixing bowl.
3. 3Stack the sage leaves, roll tightly, and slice into fine chiffonade. Strip thyme leaves from stems. Add both herbs to the ribbon bowl.
4. 4In a small jar combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake hard until the dressing looks creamy and emulsified.
5. 5Pour three-quarters of the dressing over the ribbons. Toss gently with clean hands or tongs so every strand is lightly coated and begins to soften slightly.
6. 6Let the dressed ribbons sit 8–10 minutes at room temperature; the acid will tenderize the raw roots without cooking them. Taste and add remaining dressing if needed.
7. 7Scatter baby arugula across four shallow lunch bowls or a shareable platter. Pile the dressed root ribbons on top in loose nests.
8. 8Finish with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately or pack the undressed components separately for a work-friendly lunch that stays crisp until tossed.