Carrot salad with garlic and nuts is a crunchy, flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the robust flavors of garlic and the richness of nuts. It makes a great side dish or a light main course. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and grated or julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup (30g) walnuts or almonds, chopped (you can also use pecans or hazelnuts)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
- Grate or Julienne:
- Peel the carrots and either grate them using a box grater or julienne them with a knife or a mandoline slicer.
2. Prepare the Nuts:
- Toast the Nuts (optional):
- For extra flavor, toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until they become fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Allow to cool before chopping.
3. Make the Dressing:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
-
Mix Carrots:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated or julienned carrots.
-
Add Dressing:
- Drizzle the dressing over the carrots and toss well to coat.
-
Add Nuts and Parsley:
- Add the chopped nuts and fresh parsley (if using) to the salad. Toss again to mix.
5. Serve:
-
Chill (optional):
- For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Adjust Garlic: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic or use roasted garlic for a sweeter, less pungent taste.
- Nuts: Feel free to use your favorite nuts or a combination. Toasting them enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Additions: You can also add ingredients like raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness or some crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
Enjoy your carrot salad with garlic and nuts—a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful salad that’s sure to be a hit!
