Description
Fresh, vibrant, and delightfully tangy, this Raw Carrot Salad with Apple Cider Dressing combines crisp shredded carrots with a zesty apple cider vinegar-based dressing. Enhanced with fresh herbs, a hint of garlic, and optional nuts or dried fruits, this light and nutritious salad is perfect as a refreshing side or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh carrots, grated or shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) (optional)
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced radishes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted seeds (pumpkin or chia) (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (natural)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (natural flavoring)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Start by peeling and shredding fresh carrots into thin, uniform strips or grate them finely using a box grater or food processor for the best texture.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup (natural), minced garlic (natural flavoring), salt, ground black pepper, and finely chopped fresh ginger (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the shredded carrots and gently toss everything to ensure each carrot strand is evenly coated with the tangy, sweet dressing.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Extras: Fold in chopped parsley or cilantro and any optional ingredients such as nuts, raisins, sliced radishes, or toasted seeds, distributing them gently to maintain the salad’s light texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify for a more refreshing experience.
Notes
- Use fresh carrots for the best crunch and natural sweetness.
- Adjust the acidity by adding more or less apple cider vinegar (natural) based on your taste preference.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor melding and improves texture.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Shred carrots uniformly to ensure even dressing distribution and pleasant texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: raw carrot salad, apple cider vinegar dressing, healthy salad, vegan side dish, gluten free salad, fresh carrot salad
