Carrot Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, this Carrot Salad is just the ticket. It’s an effortless blend of crunchy grated carrots, zesty Dijon mustard dressing, hint of sweetness from honey and dried cranberries, plus a refreshing pop from green onions and parsley. This Carrot Salad delivers a colorful plate that feels both wholesome and indulgent—perfect for brightening up any meal or as a delightful light lunch on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is absolutely key to making a Carrot Salad that sings with flavor. Luckily, this recipe keeps it simple, using fresh, accessible components that bring balance through sweetness, tang, creaminess, and a touch of earthiness.

• Carrots (4, peeled): The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and crunch to every bite.
• Green onion (2, finely sliced on the diagonal): Adds a mild, savory bite and fresh green color.
• Parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped, optional): Offers a clean, herbaceous note that lifts the salad.
• Dried cranberries (1 handful): Injects bursts of sweet-tart flavor that contrast beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Dijon mustard (1 1/2 tsp): Provides a sharp tang that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
• Mayo (1 tbsp): Brings creaminess that rounds out the dressing perfectly.
• Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness.
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brightens and adds a citrus zest that wakes up the palate.
• Extra virgin olive oil (4 tbsp): Gives smoothness and depth of flavor to the dressing.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors.
• Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle spicy warmth.

How to Make Carrot Salad

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Mix-ins

Start by peeling and grating your carrots using a standard box grater to achieve a perfectly fine, crunchy texture. Then, toss the shredded carrots into a large bowl along with the finely sliced green onions, handful of dried cranberries, and chopped parsley if you’re adding it. This combination is what gives the salad its vibrant layers of flavor and delightful textures.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

Next, it’s dressing time! Combine Dijon mustard, mayo, honey, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a mason jar or a small bowl. Shake it vigorously to emulsify everything into a smooth, rich dressing. The creamy mayo and zingy mustard work beautifully with the sweetness of honey and acidity of lemon, creating a perfectly balanced dressing that clings to each carrot strand.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Pour the mustard dressing over your shredded carrot mixture and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. You can enjoy the Carrot Salad immediately for a crisp, fresh taste, or chill it in the fridge for a while to let those flavors meld together more deeply. This salad holds up beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dish as well.

How to Serve Carrot Salad

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries or freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving. This adds a burst of color and an inviting aroma that makes the salad pop visually and tastefully. Toasted nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds can be a lovely crunchy garnish too.

Side Dishes

Carrot Salad pairs wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or fish, offering a fresh, tangy contrast to smoky, savory mains. It’s also a great side for picnic spreads or barbecues, complementing heavier dishes with its light, crisp nature.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Carrot Salad in individual lettuce cups or on a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant salad platter. You might also consider layering it with creamy goat cheese or feta for a Mediterranean-inspired option that wows guests with simplicity and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store your Carrot Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, though the salad is best enjoyed while the carrots retain their crunchy bite.

Freezing

This Carrot Salad is not ideal for freezing as the fresh vegetables and dressing components won’t maintain their texture or flavor once thawed. It’s best savored fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! This Carrot Salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, preserving its crispness and vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use shredded carrots from the store?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded carrots can save you time and work well in this salad. Just make sure they’re fresh and not overly wet to avoid a soggy texture.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative if you prefer. It will still give a creamy texture but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to this Carrot Salad?

Definitely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add lovely crunch while fruits like chopped apples or orange segments bring additional sweetness and freshness.

How long can this salad sit before serving?

It tastes great freshly made or after chilling for an hour or two, which helps the flavors meld. However, try not to prep it more than a day in advance for the best texture.

Is this Carrot Salad suitable for vegan diets?

To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayo with a vegan mayonnaise or omit it entirely. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and naturally vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Salad is one of those perfect dishes that brings together vibrant colors, fresh textures, and a balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s easy enough for any day but special enough to impress family and friends. I highly encourage you to try this recipe soon—your taste buds will thank you for adding such a sunshine-filled salad to your repertoire!

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