This vibrant carrot salad features thin ribbons of sweet carrots tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with fresh herbs. Packed with beta-carotene and bursting with crunch and brightness, it’s a refreshing, nutrient-rich side that pairs perfectly with any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Zesty Shaved Carrot Salad is an easy, quick, and colorful way to add more vegetables to your diet. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by a tangy vinaigrette, making this salad both refreshing and flavorful. Fresh herbs like parsley and dill, along with green onions, add a burst of freshness to each bite. Rich in beta-carotene, this salad is not only delicious but also provides health benefits, supporting skin health and boosting immunity. With its simple ingredients and vibrant taste, this salad is a perfect addition to any meal, especially during the warmer months.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 large carrots, peeled into ribbons using a vegetable peeler
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into long, thin ribbons. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped parsley, dill (if using), and green onion to the carrots.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the carrot ribbons and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 95 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili for a spicy kick.
- Nutty: Top the salad with toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped almonds for added crunch.
- Citrusy: For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice to the dressing.
- Herb swap: If you don’t have dill, feel free to use other fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique flavor.
- Add-ins: You can add thinly sliced radishes or beets for extra color and crunch.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If storing, you may want to reserve the dressing and add it just before serving to keep the carrots crunchy.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot ribbons and the dressing ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to maintain the salad’s crunchiness.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is completely vegan if you use maple syrup as the sweetener in the dressing.
Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like cucumber, radishes, or even thinly sliced bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
How do I peel the carrots into ribbons?
Use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips of carrot. If you prefer, you can also use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniform ribbons.
Can I substitute apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice for a different flavor.
How long does the dressing last?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just give it a good shake before using.
Can I add a protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas would all make excellent additions to this salad if you’re looking to turn it into a more substantial meal.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the dressing for a bit of heat.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
What are the health benefits of this salad?
The carrots provide beta-carotene, which supports eye and skin health, while the olive oil adds healthy fats. The fresh herbs offer antioxidants, and the apple cider vinegar promotes digestion.
Conclusion
This Zesty Shaved Carrot Salad is a delicious, refreshing, and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright colors, vibrant flavors, and healthy ingredients, it’s a simple yet impressive salad that’s sure to complement any meal. Whether you’re serving it as part of a larger meal or enjoying it as a standalone snack, this carrot salad is bound to be a favorite!
Zesty Shaved Carrot Salad
This vibrant carrot salad features thin ribbons of sweet carrots tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with fresh herbs. Packed with beta-carotene and bursting with crunch and brightness, it’s a refreshing, nutrient-rich side that pairs perfectly with any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, peeled into ribbons using a vegetable peeler
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into long, thin ribbons. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped parsley, dill (if using), and green onion.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the carrot ribbons and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead of time for a more flavorful result.
- For added crunch, top with roasted nuts or seeds.
- If you prefer a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg