Carrot Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Carrot salad with honey mustard dressing is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or a light main course. This salad combines shredded carrots with a zesty honey mustard dressing, complemented by the crunch of sunflower seeds and the brightness of fresh parsley. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s both healthy and delicious. Follow these steps to create a vibrant carrot salad that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 1.5 lbs carrots (about 5 cups shredded)
  • 1/3 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup finely diced shallots

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or use maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots:
    • Use a box grater or a food processor to peel and shred the carrots. Transfer the shredded carrots to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Chop the Ingredients:
    • Finely dice the shallots and chop the parsley.
    • Add the diced shallots, chopped parsley, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the shredded carrots.
  3. Make the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine and Toss:
    • Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture.
    • Toss well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve:
    • For best results, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
    • Serve the carrot salad chilled, as a side dish or a light main course.

Conclusion

This carrot salad with honey mustard dressing is a delightful blend of fresh, crunchy, and tangy flavors. The shredded carrots, paired with the creamy and zesty dressing, make for a refreshing and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy-to-make salad as a nutritious addition to your meals, and savor the vibrant flavors and textures it brings to your table!