Carrot salad–such a simple dish, right? But oh, the unexpected harmony when sweet honey and tangy Dijon meet crisp carrots.
It’s like a little dance party in a bowl. Remember that time when the world went wild over carrot cake lattes?
Yeah, this salad is like that, but without the guilt trip.
Steps
- Grate the peeled carrots using a food processor and set them aside for later use.
- In a large salad bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the grated carrots, chopped fresh parsley, and finely sliced scallions to the bowl with the dressing.
- Thoroughly toss the mixture to ensure the carrots and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled
- 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1½ tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey, to taste
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 finely sliced scallions (or 1 tablespoon of finely chopped shallots)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 600 | Fat: 44 g | Saturated fat: 4 g | Carbohydrates: 56 g | Sugar: 32 g | Fiber: 12 g | Protein: 4 g | Sodium: 1012 mg | Cholesterol: 0
FAQ
- Can I make the French Grated Carrot Salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit for a few hours helps the flavors meld together better. Just remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the flavors may mellow over time.
- What can I use instead of scallions in this salad?
- If you don’t have scallions on hand, finely chopped shallots make a great substitute, providing a similar mild onion flavor and crunch.
- Is this carrot salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
- To my knowledge, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free or have gluten-free versions available. However, it’s always best to check the labels of your specific products to ensure they meet gluten-free requirements.
- How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
- The sweetness of the salad can be adjusted by varying the amount of honey. Depending on the natural sweetness of the carrots, you may wish to add more or less honey to suit your taste.
- What is the best oil combination for the vinaigrette?
- The recipe uses a mix of vegetable oil and extra-virgin olive oil to achieve a balanced flavor. Using only olive oil can sometimes be too strong, so the combination helps mellow it out while still providing richness.
Tips
- Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on the natural sweetness of your carrots. This ensures the salad has a balanced flavor profile without being overly sweet.
- If preparing the salad in advance, recheck the seasoning before serving, as the flavors can mellow over time.
- For added freshness and a pop of color, use fresh parsley and finely sliced scallions or shallots in your salad mix.
Equipment
- Food processor: For shredding the carrots efficiently.
