Fresh Carrot Salad – Light and Healthy Side Dish
This refreshing Carrot Salad is the perfect combination of crisp, sweet, and tangy flavors. It's a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh carrots, balanced with a tangy dressing and a hint of herbs. Whether you're looking for a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad will leave you satisfied without any guilt. It's great for picnics, barbecues, or just a quick and easy addition to your everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
Optional
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) for crunch
Directions
Prepare the carrots. Start by peeling and grating the carrots. You can use a box grater or food processor for faster preparation.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, toss the grated carrots with the parsley, raisins or cranberries, and the dressing. Mix everything until well coated.
Add crunch (optional). For an extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the salad.
Chill and serve. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.
Recipe tips
You can enhance the salad by adding a pinch of cumin or coriander to the dressing for a subtle warmth. If you prefer a sweeter salad, use honey or maple syrup. You can also add more dried fruit like apricots for variety. Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can also substitute with cilantro or mint for a twist. Add a protein like chickpeas or feta cheese to turn it into a more filling meal.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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