Glowy Skin Carrot Ribbon Salad (Retinol You Can Eat)

A hormone-loving, skin-supporting dish you can prep once and glow from all week.

There are few things I love more than a fridge-friendly recipe that does more than just fill you up — it nourishes you on a cellular level.

This vibrant carrot ribbon salad is like edible skincare.

It’s grounding, refreshing, and ridiculously simple to make — no cooking, no stress — just whole ingredients that love your gut, skin, and hormones as much as you do.

Bonus: it’s packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A — a natural retinol that boosts skin regeneration, collagen production, and glow-from-within radiance.

Ingredients

• 5 large carrots, peeled into long ribbons

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white + green parts)

• 1 serrano pepper, finely sliced (optional for heat)

• 3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)

• 1 tbsp regular vinegar

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (black or white)

• Crushed peanuts (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Peel carrots into long ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Place in a large bowl.

2. Add green onions, garlic, and serrano pepper (if using).

3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, both vinegars, lime juice, and sesame oil to make the dressing.

4. Pour dressing over the carrot mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

6. Optional: Let marinate in the fridge for 15–30 minutes for deeper flavor.

7. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge — perfect for easy sides, snacks, or grain bowls all week.

🍳🐓 Optional Add-On:

Want more staying power?

Top it with shredded chicken, an egg, baked tofu, or salmon for a filling, protein-rich version. These flavors pair beautifully with most proteins.

✨Why Your Body Will Love This:

🥕 Carrots (Beta-Carotene)

A natural source of retinol. Boosts cell turnover, supports collagen production, evens skin tone, and gives you that sun-kissed glow.

🧄 Garlic

Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and rich in sulfur compounds that help clear skin and support immune health.

🌰 Sesame Oil & Seeds

Packed with vitamin E and zinc for skin elasticity, hydration, and repair. Plus, healthy fats help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like A).

🍶 Vinegars (Rice + White)

Aid digestion and help balance blood sugar — a hidden key to clearer skin and better energy.

🍋‍🟩Lime

Loaded with vitamin C to brighten skin, boost collagen, and support gentle detoxification.

🧅 Green Onions

Rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. They also provide prebiotics to support gut health — and healthy gut = healthy skin and brain.

🩸 When to Eat This for Maximum Benefit (Cycle Syncing Tip):

This raw, fiber-rich, and detoxifying salad is especially supportive during your luteal phase — the 10–14 days before your period begins.

Why it works so well during this phase:

• Your metabolism naturally increases, so grounding, nutrient-dense foods are ideal.

• Progesterone can slow digestion, so fiber + vinegar + garlic help things move.

• Skin tends to be more reactive premenstrually — and this salad’s vitamin A, sulfur, and blood-sugar-balancing ingredients help reduce inflammation and breakouts.

💡 Think of this as your luteal phase glow-up salad: hormone-friendly, deeply nourishing, and naturally beautifying — right when your body needs extra care.

Let this be your reminder:

You deserve to eat like you love yourself.

You deserve rituals that restore you.

You deserve meals that feel like skincare, soul care, and self-respect.

If you try this recipe, tag me @solstice.holistic or drop a comment. I want to see your bowls of beauty and that inner glow radiating through.

With love from my fridge to yours,

❤️XO, Bailey

Founder of Solstice Holistic