Looking for a delicious, vegan and easy carrot salad recipe? Here’s one that is perfect for you! It only takes 15 minutes to make, and it’s a great dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, or to serve as a tasty side at home.
The grated carrots give this simple slaw salad a bright and vibrant color, while the dressing adds a delicious flavor that everyone will love.
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Introduction
Salads are an important component of any cuisine and can be found in many forms and textures.
They are great as an appetizer, a side dish, or even the main course as they are easily adaptable and so delicious.
A good salad can also brighten up any meal, and this 15-minute grated carrot salad recipe is a perfect example of that.
The simple ingredients are all readily available in your local grocery store, making it easy to enjoy any time of the year.
Just like this red cabbage slaw, this dish comes together quickly and can conveniently be prepared ahead of time.
The key to this simple carrot salad recipe is in the dressing. The combination of olive oil, tangy lemon juice, garlic and ginger gives this slaw a delicious zesty flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots perfectly.
This easy recipe is full of flavor and makes a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute potluck contributions.
Healthy eating has never tasted so good!
Mise en place
Making your own slaw at home has never been this simple! To prepare this delicious salad, begin by bringing 5-6 medium carrots, one bunch of fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, one garlic clove and ginger to your workspace.
Prep the carrots: Begin by scrubbing raw carrots under cool water. Pat dry. Trim off ¼ inch from both ends. Then, use a vegetable peeler to remove the thin outer layer.
Use the large holes of your box grater to grate directly into a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, use the shredding blade or grating attachment of a food processor to shred the carrots. Set aside for now.
Prep the parsley: Remove the fresh parsley leaves from the stems. Rinse them under cool water. Use a salad spinner to remove any excess water. Finely chop using a sharp knife. You will need 1 cup. Add it to the bowl of shredded carrots.
Prep the garlic and the ginger: Remove the papery skin from the garlic clove, then cut off the tips. You may either mince or press the garlic. You will also need ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Place them both in a small bowl.
You are now ready to create the most amazing tasting carrot slaw!
How to make
Now that the carrots and aromatics have been transformed to the appropriate size, let’s make the vinaigrette.
Add ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the minced garlic and ginger. Whisk together. Taste and adjust seasonings. Alternatively, combine all of the ingredients in a small mason jar and shake well.
Combine the salad dressing with the grated carrots and the chopped parsley. Mix everything together until evenly coated. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for a few hours for optimal results.
Serve chilled.
Recipe variations
If you want to add some more flavor and crunchy texture, consider adding one (or more) of these extra add-ins:
- toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts )
- toasted pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds
- dried fruit such as dates, cranberries, or golden raisins
- legumes such as lentils, chickpeas or black beans
- crumbled feta cheese
- chopped green onions or grated lemon zest
- fresh mint leaves or chives
Tips
- Make this simple salad at least two hours before serving for the best-tasting carrot salad. This short period of time allows the salt to draw out some of the moisture from the carrots, creating a flavorful dressing.
- Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley adds both color and flavor to this lovely salad. If you can, avoid using curly-leaf parsley or dry parsley. In a pinch, frozen parsley can be used.
FAQ
You can use any type of fresh carrots that are available to you. Try multi-colored or rainbow carrots if you’re looking for a different look.
Grated carrots provide more surface area for the dressing to cling to. This means that each bite of salad has the perfect amount of crunch and will be full of flavor! In addition, grated carrots are easier to mix with the other ingredients and they absorb more of the dressing.
There are two types of parsley that are commonly used in recipes: Italian flat-leaf and curly parsley. Curly parsley is the type that is often used as a garnish, while Italian flat-leaf parsley is more commonly used in cooked dishes for its bright and aromatic qualities. For this savory carrot salad, you’ll want to use Italian flat-leaf.
How to store
Store leftover carrot salad in an airtight container or in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. It will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator. I recommend enjoying it within two days for the best flavor.
Serving suggestions
You can serve this tangy salad as a great side dish with grilled chicken or lamb chops. It also makes a great topping for fish tacos and burgers. It’s also deliciously eaten on its own.
Best slaw recipes
Red Cabbage Slaw
You can make this easy red cabbage slaw recipe with just a few simple ingredients. An absolutely colorful and delicious side dish that will complement any main course!
Look no further if you’re searching for the best slaw recipes to try with your next meal. Consider trying this unique celery root slaw or the ever-popular coleslaw, which is always a favorite salad on any occasion.
Recipe inspiration
We had so much fun cooking and baking together during my daughter’s recent visit.
One afternoon, I made this very simple carrot salad. My daughter (who loves to experiment with food more than I do) suggested adding ginger and garlic.
I couldn’t believe what a difference it made after just a couple of hours of it “marinating” in the refrigerator.
This 15-minute carrot salad is a great way to add some color and flavor to any meal. You can make this healthy salad recipe and a tasty dish that everyone will love with only a few simple ingredients.
Be sure to try this recipe the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish!
Do you have a favorite 15-minute recipe? Share it in the comments below! I’m always looking for new recipes to try.
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made this basic carrot salad, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Easy Carrot Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 5-6 medium carrots approx 3½ cups (shredded)
- 1 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic medium, minced or pressed
- ¼ teaspoon ginger fresh, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Toss together the shredded carrots and minced parsley in a large mixing bowl,
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing until they form an emulsion.
- Combine the salad dressing with the grated carrots and the chopped parsley.
- Mix everything together until evenly coated. Refrigerate for a few hours for optimal results.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Make this simple salad at least two hours before serving for the best-tasting carrot salad. This short period of time allows the salt to draw out some of the moisture from the carrots, creating a flavorful dressing.
- Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley adds both color and flavor to this lovely salad. If you can, avoid using curly-leaf parsley or dry parsley. In a pinch, frozen parsley can be used.
ur pal val
So easy and refreshing. Will be making this again 🙂
Maria
So thrilled to read this! Thanks Val!