Carrot Salad
A bright, refreshing salad featuring crisp shredded carrots and fresh parsley, all tossed in a creamy yet light lemon-tahini vinaigrette. A perfect, simple side dish ready in just 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the salad base
- b.In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots and finely chopped fresh parsley.
- c.Toss them together gently to distribute the parsley evenly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the lemon-tahini vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or jar, add the tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and minced garlic.
- c.Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth. It may thicken up initially.
- d.Add 2 tablespoons of water and continue whisking until the dressing is creamy and has a pourable consistency. Add a little more water if it's too thick.
- e.Season with salt and black pepper, and whisk one last time to combine.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and serve
- b.Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the carrot and parsley mixture.
- c.Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated with the dressing.
- d.Serve immediately for the best crunch, or let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, use a food processor with the shredding attachment to get evenly shredded carrots quickly.
- 2If your tahini is very thick, you might need an extra tablespoon of water to get the right consistency for the dressing.
- 3This salad can be made a few hours ahead. Store the dressing and the carrot mixture separately in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
- 4For extra crunch and nutrition, add a tablespoon of toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a gentle kick of heat.
high proteinHigh protein
Toss in 1 cup of cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans) to make the salad a more substantial meal.
healthyHealthy
For a lower-fat version, you can omit the olive oil. The dressing will still be creamy from the tahini.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness that kids love.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A, essential for vision health, immune function, and skin health.
Good Source of Fiber
The high fiber content from carrots aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Contains Healthy Fats
Tahini and olive oil provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this carrot salad is very healthy. Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A and fiber. The tahini provides healthy fats and some plant-based protein, making it a nutritious and balanced side dish.