Description
This vibrant Carrot Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is crisp, sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. Made with freshly shredded carrots, a bright homemade dressing, and customizable add-ins, it’s the perfect healthy side dish for dinners, potlucks, or weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 5 cups (about 5 large) carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
For the Honey Mustard Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
Instructions
- Shred the Carrots: Peel and finely shred the carrots using a box grater or food processor for soft, even strands.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and cumin in a small bowl.
- Add Mix-Ins: In a large bowl, combine shredded carrots, raisins, parsley, and sunflower seeds.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded carrots—they’re sweeter and more tender.
- Toast nuts and seeds to enhance their flavor.
- Add extra vinegar if you want a brighter, tangier dressing.
- Letting the salad rest helps flavors develop.
- Add cumin sparingly and taste as you adjust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: carrot salad, honey mustard dressing, shredded carrot salad, healthy salads, fresh side dishes