French carrot salad, also known as "salade de carottes râpées," is a refreshing and colorful dish that is popular in French cuisine. This simple and easy-to-make salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Made with grated carrots, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil, this salad is a healthy and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
The sweetness of the carrots is balanced by the tanginess of the lemon juice and the freshness of the parsley, making it a flavorful and light option for any meal. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a classic French carrot salad that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Vegetables
Get a huge bunch of the prettiest carrots and some green onions for your vegetable selection.
Fresh herbs: Minced herbs are the perfect complement to carrots. I’m using fresh parsley, but cilantro would also work.
Salad Dressing: The ideal dressing is a straightforward mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, cumin, and a dash of black pepper.
GRATING CARROTS FOR A SALAD
For this salad, there are two methods for grating carrots. You may either use a regular box grater or the grater attachment on your food processor. The box grater creates smaller, shorter bits whereas the food processor is speedier and produces longer pieces. Anyway, it works!
After preparing all the ingredients, simply combine them in a bowl and you’re done!
Advice: Grate the carrots a day or two in advance to save time. Simply place them in the refrigerator in a container or bag that is well-packed, making sure to remove all of the air.
STORAGE ADVICE
In the refrigerator, this French carrot salad is kept for three to four days. To avoid a really soggy salad, I advise eating it as soon as possible.
- Prepare this carrot salad one to two hours in advance, as a helpful hint. The carrots will then be able to absorb the tasty dressing!
- Several Carrot Salad Recipes to Try
- As mentioned above, this recipe for carrot salad can be changed by using another dressing. You might also try the following additional variations.
- Put some canned or fresh pineapple in.
- To give the salad some tang, add a teaspoon or two of mustard, lemon juice, or vinegar.
- For a splash of color, add fresh parsley.
- For complexity, combine various apple cultivars.
- Replace the raisins with chopped dates or cranberries in the juice.
- Add garlic, cumin, or finely chopped onion for flavor.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Create French! Instead of mayo and raisins, a French carrot salad uses honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Chickpeas are included in some variations.
Carrot salad variations
- Put some canned or fresh pineapple in.
- To give the salad some tang, add a teaspoon or two of mustard, lemon juice, or vinegar.
- For a splash of color, add fresh parsley.
- For complexity, combine various apple cultivars.
- Replace the raisins with chopped dates or cranberries in the juice.
- Add garlic, cumin, or finely chopped onion for flavor.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Create French! Instead of mayo and raisins, a French carrot salad uses honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Chickpeas are included in some variations.
Keeping carrot salad fresh
For 3 to 4 days, keep carrot salad in the fridge well-wrapped. When the salt in the mayonnaise takes out the water in the salad, it may become watery after a day or two.
FAQs
Can I make French carrot salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make French carrot salad ahead of time. In fact, it's best to let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop. Simply cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve.
What can I serve with French carrot salad?
French carrot salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, grilled fish, or a simple sandwich. It's also a great side dish for a picnic or barbecue.
How long does French carrot salad keep in the refrigerator?
French carrot salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I use other vegetables instead of carrots?
While French carrot salad traditionally uses grated carrots, you can certainly use other vegetables if you prefer. Grated beets, turnips, or zucchini would all work well in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled
- ¼ cup roughly chopped parsley or cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
Instructions
- Grate the carrots. Using either a box grater or the grater attachment on a food processor, grate the carrots. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add greens. Add the green onions and parsley to the mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Stir it all up. Pour the dressing on top of the carrot salad and stir to combine.
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