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Fresh Carrot Ribbon Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing

carrot ribbon salad - featured image

This vibrant carrot ribbon salad features crisp carrot ribbons tossed in a bright, tangy lemon dressing with honey, fresh herbs, and optional crunchy seeds or creamy feta. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 large carrots (about 1 lb), peeled and ribboned
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, skip for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel the carrots. Trim off the ends. Using a vegetable peeler, shave carrots lengthwise into thin, wide ribbons. Rotate as you peel for even ribbons.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
  3. Place carrot ribbons in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the carrots. Using tongs, gently toss until ribbons are coated. Add a bit more olive oil if needed.
  4. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill, toasted seeds or nuts, and crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to marinate, if desired.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more honey if too tangy, or more salt if bland. Ribbons should be tender but crisp.
  7. Transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with extra herbs or seeds if desired. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready.

Notes

For vegan, swap honey for maple syrup and skip feta. Add other veggies like cucumber or radish for color. Dress carrots right before serving for crunch, or let marinate for softer texture. Add seeds/nuts last minute for best crunch. Prep carrot ribbons ahead and store in cold water in the fridge. Adjust lemon and honey to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot salad, lemon dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy salad, spring salad, summer salad, carrot ribbon salad