Description
A refreshing and vibrant Raw Carrot Salad with Apple Cider Dressing combining crunchy fresh carrots with a tangy, flavorful dressing made from apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this plant-based salad is perfect as a side dish or wholesome snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 3 cups fresh carrots, grated or julienned
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural gelling agent)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (natural) or maple syrup (natural)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (natural)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Add-Ins (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots, then grate them finely or cut into thin julienne strips to maximize crunch and surface area for the dressing to cling to.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the prepared carrots and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the bright, tangy mixture.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Nuts: Fold in chopped fresh parsley and, if using, chopped nuts for a lovely contrast of flavors and texture.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving, so the flavors meld together beautifully without losing the vibrant freshness.
Notes
- Use crisp, bright orange carrots for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Allow the salad to marinate briefly to deepen the flavor without softening the carrots too much.
- Adjust the sweetener carefully to balance the tang from the apple cider vinegar.
- Grate the carrots in advance to make assembling quick and easy.
- Use fresh herbs rather than dried for a bright, grassy flavor lift.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Raw carrot salad, apple cider dressing, plant-based salad, healthy appetizer, crunchy salad