This refreshing French Carrot Salad features freshly grated carrots, diced shallots, and chopped parsley. This vibrant dish is both eye-catching and delicious. The zesty lemon-honey-Dijon dressing adds a tangy-sweet twist, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light side dish. Give this delightful salad a try, and you'll be amazed at how it brightens up your meal!
3tablespoons fresh parsleyfinely chopped (flat-leaf not curly parsley)
Dressing
1largelemon(zested and juiced)
3teaspoonshoney
½tablespoongood Dijon mustard
¼cupolive oil
¼teaspoonground cumin
Fine sea salt and pepper
Instructions
CARROTS: Peel and grate the carrots using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. You should have about 5 gently packed cups of grated carrots. Transfer the grated carrots to a large bowl.
SALAD: Mix in the finely diced shallots and finely chopped parsley.
DRESSING: Zest a lemon to get ¼ tsp zest and juice to get 2 tablespoons juice. In a wide-mouth glass jar, combine the dressing ingredients, seasoning to taste (I add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper). Secure the lid and shake the jar until the dressing is well combined, ensuring the honey doesn't settle at the bottom.
DRESS SALAD: Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and stir until the ingredients are evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the salad marinate in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving. Give it another toss before serving.
STORAGE AND USES: This salad can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It gets more flavorful/soft/juicy (like a slaw) as it sits. Toss again before serving. We love eating it with (or on top of) so many dishes. Check out Note 1 for lots of ideas on how to use this salad!
Video
Notes
Note 1: How to use this salad: I love preparing this salad at the start of the week and using it as a topping or slaw in various dishes. In my opinion, the salad's flavor improves as it rests, and it adds a delightful twist to otherwise-ordinary meals. Here are some ways we've been enjoying this scrumptious salad:
As is! Right out of the bowl--it is truly delicious!
As a side: Add alongside grilled chicken, pork, beef, or fish. It adds a nice refreshing and crunchy element to your meal.
In a wrap or sandwich: Add carrot salad to wraps or sandwiches for extra crunch, flavor, and nutrition. It pairs well with ingredients like hummus, avocado, and various deli meats.
With grains or legumes: Mix carrot salad with cooked grains like quinoa, farro, bulgur, or couscous, or toss it with legumes such as chickpeas or lentils for a more substantial and filling dish.
As a topping for greens: Use carrot salad as a flavorful topping for a big garden salad, creating a more diverse and interesting salad.
In a grain bowl or salad bowl: Incorporate carrot salad into a grain bowl or protein bowl along with other ingredients like roasted vegetables, diced baked chicken breast, and a drizzle of dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.
As a slaw for tacos: Make some chicken tacos and try a few spoonfuls of this salad as a tasty slaw--unique, but so good!