Raw Carrot Salad
A crunchy, vibrant, and refreshing Raw Carrot Salad packed with fresh carrots, zesty lemon dressing, and a hint of natural sweetness. Quick and easy to prepare, this nutritious salad is a perfect light snack or side dish that pairs well with various meals and suits many dietary preferences.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Healthy / Global
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan (if maple syrup used)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh carrots, peeled and finely shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (such as walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds)
- Pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika (for spiced variation)
- Chopped dried cranberries or raisins (for sweet and tart variation)
- Fresh cilantro or mint (as an alternative to parsley)
- Prepare Your Carrots: Peel the carrots and then grate or shred them finely to create thin, uniform strands that will absorb the dressing and provide a great crunchy texture.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or your preferred sweetener), salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, creating a bright and slightly sweet dressing.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the shredded carrots and toss thoroughly so that every strand is evenly coated, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout the salad.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Optional Extras: Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad. If desired, add toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature according to your preference.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm, and brightly colored carrots for the best taste and crunch.
- Grate the carrots finely for an easier-to-eat salad and better dressing coverage.
- Adjust lemon juice, sweetener, salt, and pepper to your personal taste preferences.
- If adding nuts or seeds, lightly toast them first to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving to deepen flavors and soften carrots slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Raw Carrot Salad, crunchy salad, healthy side dish, quick salad, gluten free salad, vegan salad option, fresh carrot recipe, nutritious salad