This Carrot Salad with Lemon Ginger Dressing is a vibrant, crunchy, and zesty salad that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. Packed with beta-carotene, antioxidants, and digestion-friendly ingredients, it’s a perfect fit for health-conscious eaters in the USA who want something light, refreshing, and easy to prepare.
📝 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 large carrots, peeled and grated or julienned
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
For the Lemon Ginger Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
Wash, peel, and grate the carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor. For a fancier look, use a julienne peeler or spiralizer to create long thin strands.
CookWithKushal Tip: “Use multi-colored carrots if available—they add visual appeal and slightly different flavors!”
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine:
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Grated ginger
- Lemon zest
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on how sweet you like it)
- Olive oil
- A pinch of salt
Whisk everything together until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
CookWithKushal Tip: “If you like it tangier, add a bit more lemon juice. For a milder zing, mellow it out with a touch more honey or olive oil.”
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, chopped parsley, raisins, red onion, and nuts/seeds.
Pour the lemon ginger dressing over the top and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
CookWithKushal Tip: “Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to soak in and softens the carrots slightly while still keeping their crunch.”
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve chilled or at room temperature. This carrot salad pairs well with grilled meats, wraps, or even a sandwich.
🥗 Why This Carrot Salad is Perfect for You
- ✅ Diabetic-Friendly (with optional honey swap)
- ✅ Low-Calorie and High-Fiber
- ✅ Kid-Friendly and Lunchbox-Approved
- ✅ No Mayo – Just Clean, Fresh Ingredients
- ✅ Quick Prep – Ready in under 15 minutes!
🥄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or edamame.
- Make it creamy: Add a spoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Go fruity: Add apple slices, pineapple chunks, or orange segments.
- Add herbs: Fresh mint or cilantro adds a fresh twist!
CookWithKushal Tip: “This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day!”
🧠 Nutritional Benefits
Carrots are rich in:
- Beta-carotene (great for eye health)
- Fiber (supports digestion)
- Vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants
Ginger and lemon promote digestion, reduce inflammation, and add natural detox benefits—making this salad not just tasty but also functional for health-conscious diets.