Classic Carrot Summer Salad Recipe

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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This Classic Carrot Summer Salad combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a variety of fruits, brought together with a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish. Here’s how to make this delightful and easy salad.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz. shredded carrots (or julienne 1 or 2 large carrots)
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • ½ cup apple, diced
  • ¼ cup grapes, diced
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons organic cane sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Fruits and Carrots:
    • If you haven’t purchased pre-shredded carrots, peel and julienne or shred 1 or 2 large carrots until you have approximately 10 ounces.
    • Dice the pineapple, apple, and grapes into small, bite-sized pieces. If you like, you can soak the apple pieces in lemon water for a few minutes to prevent browning.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, raisins, diced pineapple, diced apple, and diced grapes. Toss them gently to mix.
  3. Make the Dressing:
    • In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, organic cane sugar, and sea salt until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or seasoning according to your taste.
  4. Dress the Salad:
    • Pour the dressing over the carrot and fruit mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve:
    • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This not only chills the salad but allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
    • Give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Tips:

  • Variations: Feel free to add nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture and protein. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds also make great additions.
  • Storage: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches. It’s particularly refreshing on hot summer days.

Conclusion:

The Classic Carrot Summer Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious addition to any meal, especially during the warmer months. Its combination of sweet and creamy flavors makes it a hit among both adults and children. Enjoy the freshness of the ingredients and the delightful mix of textures in this easy-to-make salad.