This easy grated carrot salad recipe is bursting with bright, fresh spring flavors. Shredded carrots are tossed with a lemon dijon vinaigrette to make the perfect spring dish!

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A bowl of shredded carrot salad garnished with lemon slices and parsley.


 

Carrot Salad is one of those really simple dishes that you want to make again and again.

It’s a mix of freshly grated carrots, chopped parsley, and a homemade honey lemon dijon vinaigrette. The lemon and dijon mustard add a tart, bright flavor to the salad and the honey cuts the tartness of the lemon juice and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots. The fresh parsley adds a balance to the salad and adds a bright pop of green in a sea of orange.  

In a rush? Carrot salad is your best friend. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients that your body will thank you for. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish a healthy addition to any meal.

A bowl of shredded carrot salad garnished with lemon slices and parsley.

Ingredients for a Raw Carrot Salad

  • Carrots – You can use regular ornage carrots or vibrantly colored rainbow carrots for this recipe. Make sure to buy more than you need and try our quick pickled carrots and hot honey roasted carrots too!
  • Fresh parsley– we suggest Italian parsley for the best flavor.
  • Scallions – You can substitute with green onions or chives if needed.
  • Lemon juice – fresh squeezed is best!
  • Apple cider vinegar – you can substitute white wine vinegar if you don’t have apple cider vinegar handy.
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Salt and pepper

Choosing the Best Carrots for Your Salad

The secret to a great carrot salad begins with the carrots themselves. Opt for young, tender carrots with a sweet flavor and a firm texture. Whether you choose organic or non-organic carrots, look for bright, vibrant colors and smooth, unblemished surfaces.

Carrots should be crisp and snap easily – a sign they’ll add that satisfying crunch to your salad. Avoid limp or overly large carrots, as they may be tough and less flavorful.

A plate of shredded carrot salad garnished with lemon slices and parsley, served with wooden utensils.

How to Make Grated Carrot Salad

Step 1 – Peel. Peel the carrots and throw away the outside layer of skin.

Step 2 – Grate. Use a grater to shred the carrots in a large bowl.

Step 3 – Toss. Add the parsley and scallions to the bowl and toss with the carrots.

Step 4 – Make dressing. Add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper to a small bowl and whisk together quickly to combine all ingredients. 

Step 5 – Add dressing. Before serving pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.

Step 6 – Serve. Serve immediately and enjoy!

If you like this salad make sure to try our apple walnut salad and mixed green salad too!

Tips for the Best Results:

  • You can shred your carrots in several ways. I used a box grater, large holes, to shred mine but you could also you a peeler for longer, wider strips, or you can julienne the carrots for thick matchstick pieces.
  • This salad is best made right before serving if you shred the carrots. If you make matchstick carrot pieces you can cut them the day before.
A plate of zesty lemon carrot salad garnished with chopped parsley.

Simple Variations

Fruits & Nuts

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your carrot salad. From adding nuts (walnuts, pistachios, pecans, and almonds) and seeds (pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds) for extra crunch to incorporating fruits like apples, raisins, or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast, the possibilities are endless.

Global Twists

Carrot salad is a global dish, with variations found in cuisines around the world. From the spicy Moroccan carrot salad to the sweet and tangy Korean carrot salad, there’s a version for every palate.

Seasonal Variations

Adapt your carrot salad to the seasons by incorporating seasonal ingredients. In the summer, add fresh herbs like basil or mint. In the fall, try adding roasted root vegetables for a hearty twist.

A bowl of shredded carrot salad garnished with lemon slices and parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent my carrot salad from becoming soggy?

The key to preventing a soggy carrot salad lies in the timing of the dressing application. For the crispest experience, dress your salad just before serving. This maintains the carrots’ natural crunch. If you prefer to marinate your carrots for added flavor, choose a light dressing and limit marinating time to just a few hours before serving. Another tip is to ensure your carrots are dry after washing them before you add the dressing.

Is carrot salad healthy?

Yes, carrot salad can be a healthful addition to your diet! Carrots are a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamin A, essential for eye health, and rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals. When paired with a healthy dressing, carrot salad can be a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that supports overall wellness. Just be mindful of the dressing ingredients to keep it healthy!

Can I make carrot salad ahead of time?

You can certainly prepare the components of carrot salad ahead of time to save on prep time. Grate your carrots and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also prepare the dressing in advance and keep it separate. However, for the best texture and to avoid sogginess, mix the dressing with the grated carrots just before serving. This way, you get the convenience of pre-preparation without compromising on the salad’s quality.

What are the best dressings for carrot salad?

The best dressings for carrot salad are those that complement the sweet and earthy flavors of the carrot. A classic lemon vinaigrette, made with olive oil, lemon juice, a touch of honey, salt, and pepper, is a light and refreshing option. For a creamier texture, a yogurt-based dressing with a hint of garlic and herbs works beautifully. Asian-inspired dressings with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar offer a delightful twist. The choice depends on your taste preferences and the flavor profile you’re aiming for.

How can I add protein to my carrot salad?

Adding protein transforms your carrot salad from a simple side dish to a satisfying main meal. For a vegetarian boost, consider mixing in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or sprinkling with hemp seeds or chopped nuts. Cheese lovers might enjoy feta or goat cheese for a creamy addition. If you’re not adhering to a vegetarian diet, diced chicken, turkey, or even flaked salmon can beautifully complement the flavors of your carrot salad, making it a more rounded and filling meal.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes

Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This beautiful grated Carrot Salad is vegan side dish filled with bright, fresh spring flavors. Shredded carrots are tossed with a lemon dijon vinaigrette to make the perfect spring side dish!
A bowl of shredded carrot salad garnished with lemon slices and parsley.
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Carrots
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoon Honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 Scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Peel the carrots and throw away the outside layer of skin.
  • Use a grater to shred the carrots into a large bowl.
  • Add the parsley and scallions to the bowl and toss with the carrots.
  • Add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper to a bowl and whisk together quickly to combine all ingredients. 
  • Before serving pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 254mg, Potassium: 390mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 19175IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 0.6mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.
Author: Kat Jeter & Melinda Caldwell
Course: Side
Handwritten signature for Kat & Melinda