If you are looking for a light, delicious and pretty side dish for Easter or any other occasion this Heirloom Carrots recipe for an Easy Carrot Salad, no mayo, with Dijon Vinaigrette. It fits all of those requirements and then some. It is a great recipe to carry you through spring and all of summer to picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings with its bright flavor and versatility. This raw carrot salad recipe will work just fine for any type of carrots but these heirloom rainbow carrots I found at Trader Joe’s make it extra pretty. This recipe just takes a few wholesome ingredients and and few minutes to make. It is the perfect addition to summer cookouts.
Things To Love About This Carrot Side Dish
Carrot salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that offers a variety of benefits:
- Nutrient-Rich: Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Low-Calorie: Carrot salads are typically low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal without adding significant calories.
- Fiber Content: Carrots are high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Versatility: Carrot salad can be prepared in many different ways—raw, grated, or sliced, and can be combined with a variety of other ingredients like raisins, nuts, or other vegetables.
- Hydration: Carrots have a high water content, which can contribute to overall hydration.
- Eye Health: The high vitamin A content in carrots is beneficial for eye health, potentially improving vision and preventing conditions like night blindness.
- Immune Support: The antioxidants in carrots, including vitamin C, can help support the immune system.
- Flavor and Texture: Carrot salads offer a refreshing crunch and a naturally sweet flavor, making them a tasty and satisfying dish.
- Easy to Prepare: Carrot salad is simple to make and requires minimal cooking or preparation time.
- Dietary Flexibility: Carrot salads can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free diets.
Carrot Salad Recipe with Dijon Vinaigrette
Crunchy carrots and homemade tangy dressing are the star of this fresh salad.
Simple Ingredients:
6-8 rainbow heirloom carrots (You can also use regular orange carrots to make this recipe but I love the color the rainbow heirloom carrots add to the table.)
2 tsp. Fresh lemon juice (may substitute apple cider vinegar or lime juice)
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Extra-virgin olive oi
2 tsp. Honey
½ tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp. minced fresh dill (Fresh herbs are optional but they really add a lot of flavor. If you don’t have dill, try fresh flat-leaf parsley.)
How to Make Carrots Salad:
Wash your carrots well. Cut off and discard the tops and bottoms of the carrots (about 1/2″). Cut the carrots in even thirds so that your carrot salad is easier to eat. Use a peeler and with small, short strokes shred the carrots into a large bowl. You can use a mandoline slicer or food processor ,if you prefer. I just prefer the long thin texture of the carrots that the peeler creates.
Create super thin slices of carrots using a normal vegetable peeler or you can use a julienne peeler if you like. Or if you prefer to make a grated carrot salad, you can use grated carrots. There is a lot of flexibility with this simple carrot salad so just pick your favorite way to enjoy raw carrots and prepare them accordingly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, oil, honey, salt , and pepper until well combined. You can add more or less lemon juice and honey to adjust to your taste. Taste the salad dressing and then readjust the dressing ingredients until you love it.
Pour mixture over shredded carrots and stir or mix by hand to coat until it is well coated with the dressing.
Refrigerate before serving for at least an hour for best taste results.
Mix the salad again after chilling. Before serving sprinkle with a couple of pinches of minced fresh dill to bring out all the flavors.
French Carrot Salad Recipe Card Printable Version
Easy Carrot Salad Recipe With Heirloom Rainbow Carrots
Ingredients
- 6-8 rainbow heirloom carrots (or regular orange carrots)
- 2 tsp. Lemon juice
- 1 T. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. Olive oil
- 2 tsp. Honey
- ½ tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Ground pepper
- 1 tsp. minced fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and peel your carrots well.
- Cut the carrots in thirds.
- Use a peeler with small, short strokes to grate the carrots.
- In a separate bowl whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, oil, honey, salt , and pepper until well combined.
- Pour mixture over shredded carrots and stir to coat it well with the dressing.
- Refrigerate before serving for at least an hour for best taste results.
- Before serving sprinkle with a pinch of fresh dill to bring out all the flavors.
- Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Carrot Salad Recipe With Heirloom Rainbow Carrots
Serves: 6
|
Amount Per Serving: 1/2 cup
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 45.06 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 0.97 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat 0.14 g | 0% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium 179.79 mg | 7.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 9.23 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2.16 g | 8% | |
| Sugars 5.36 g | ||
| Protein 0.76 g | ||
| Vitamin A 66.06 % | Vitamin C 5.44 % | |
| Calcium 2.65 % | Iron 1.62 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Heirloom Carrot Recipe Conclusion
Unlike the typical orange carrots found in most grocery stores, heirloom carrots come in a variety of colors, including purple, red, yellow, and white. Each color often has a slightly different flavor profile and nutrient content. Heirloom carrots often have more complex and varied flavors compared to standard commercial carrots. They can range from sweet and fruity to earthy and spicy.
I hope you enjoy the fresh, bright flavors of this easy carrot salad recipe with no mayo. It is a great way to enjoy a something fresh and healthy with foods like burgers, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. What do you think you will serve with your heirloom carrots recipe?
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