Jessica Alba is not one to gatekeep when it comes to a delicious salad. The toned mom of three and fitness and beauty connoisseur recently shared her latest obsession: the viral retinol carrot salad, and it looks absolutely delicious. Alba shared an adorable, farm-fresh, step-by-step video on Instagram, where she gave it a full 10 out of 10 rating, describing it as “yummy, crunchy, flavorful.” This viral salad packs a nutrient-rich punch with a beautiful rainbow of textures. It's the salad “everybody’s been doing,” and you can too! The recipe is inspired by @dewyfacedbitch, and you can customize it as you want by adding your favorite protein.
Why the “retinol” salad actually lives up to the hype
The magic in this salad, when it comes to beauty, is carrots. They’re naturally rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, the same nutrient found in topical retinol that’s prized for its skin benefits.
Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, supports healthy skin cell turnover, and can even give you a subtle glow from the inside out. Pair it with vitamin-C-rich citrus and antioxidant-packed ingredients like ginger, radish, and cilantro, and you’ve got a salad that’s not just delicious but potentially skin-loving too.
Watch Jessica Alba make the salad
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- Carrot ribbons
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped scallions
- Sliced jicama
- Sliced radish
- Chopped roasted cashews
- Optional protein of your choice
Dressing:
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Juice of half an orange
- Juice of half a lime
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Garlic chili crunch (to taste)
Instructions
This salad is super easy. Ribbon, chop, or slice your vegetables. Cook your desired protein and let it cool down if you want the salad to stay cold. Then mix everything in a large bowl and enjoy.
What does Alba do to work out?
Along with eating healthy, Alba does many things to stay in shape, focusing on strength training. In 2015, she told PopSugar, "I'm not going to lie. Working out sucks." Which is why she loves taking classes with other people, and that can keep her "motivated and accountable." She's opened up about her love of power yoga, which is a mix of hot yoga, strength training, and spin.