Why is my salad turning watery?

Beetroot releases moisture quickly after salting and adding lemon. Resting for exactly 5 minutes (not longer) prevents excess water.

Do I have to use roasted cumin powder?

Yes, roasted cumin has a warmer, less bitter flavor than raw cumin. If you only have raw cumin, dry-roast it in a pan for 1 minute before using.

Can I use pre-grated beetroot from a store?

Freshly grated is better for crunch. Pre-grated beetroot is often drier and softer, resulting in a mushy texture.

How do I tone down the earthy beetroot taste?

Increase the lemon juice slightly or add a pinch of sugar. The acidity and sweetness help balance the earthiness.

Home / Recipes / indian / Beetroot Carrot Salad

indianEasyveganvegetariangluten freedairy free

Beetroot Carrot Salad

RATING

4.3/5(45)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A vibrant, crunchy salad that pairs the earthy sweetness of raw beetroot with juicy shredded carrots. Tossed in a simple lemon and cumin dressing, this refreshing side comes together in minutes and adds a beautiful pop of color to any meal.

PREP

15m

COOK

SERVES

1 CUP

48 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings

2 pcsbeetroot · medium, peeled and grated2 pcscarrot · medium, grated1 tbsplemon juice · freshly squeezed¼ tspsalt1 pinchblack pepper · freshly ground½ tspcumin powder · roasted2 tbspcilantro · fresh, chopped1 pcsgreen chili · finely chopped, optional

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

CALORIES · 1 CUP

Protein2g · 17%

Carbs11g · 92%

Fat0g · 0%

Fiber3g

Sugar7g

Saturated fat0g

Cholesterol0mg

Sodium226mg

Potassium362mg

Phosphorus44mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 4 STEPS

prep · ~5 min
Grate the beetroot and carrot.
1.Peel the beetroot and carrots.
2.Use a box grater to coarsely grate both into a large mixing bowl.
TIPWear gloves while grating beetroot to avoid stained hands.
mix · ~2 min
Add the seasonings and toss.
1.Add roasted cumin powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
2.Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the grated vegetables.
3.Add chopped green chili and fresh cilantro.
4.Toss everything together until well combined.
rest · ~5 min
Rest the salad for 5 minutes before serving.
Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The lemon juice will slightly soften the vegetables while keeping them crunchy.
TIPDon't let it sit too long or the beets will release too much water.
garnish
Garnish with extra cilantro and serve.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Wear disposable gloves while grating beetroot to prevent pink-stained hands.
2
Use a box grater with large holes for a crunchy texture, not a fine microplane.
3
Roast the cumin powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds until fragrant for deeper flavor.
4
Let the salad rest exactly 5 minutes — longer resting makes it watery.
5
Add the green chili only if you want a mild kick; omit for a kid-friendly version.
6
For best crunch, serve immediately after the resting time.

RECIPE VARIATIONS