Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad (Printable)

Delicate carrot ribbons tossed with lemon, orange, herbs, and a touch of honey create a vibrant, fresh side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large carrots, peeled
02 - 1 small cucumber, seeds removed

→ Citrus

03 - 1 lemon, zest and juice
04 - 1 orange, zest and juice

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon honey
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios or almonds, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots and cucumber into long, thin ribbons. Place them in a large salad bowl.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, the zest of both fruits, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the carrot and cucumber ribbons. Add chopped mint and parsley. Toss gently to coat all components evenly.
04 - Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
05 - Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with chopped roasted pistachios or almonds if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes but looks like you spent an hour on presentation.
  • The citrus dressing is so bright it wakes up your whole palate without any heaviness.
  • You can make it ahead and it actually gets better as the flavors mingle in the fridge.
02 -
  • Do not skip removing the cucumber seeds or your salad will turn watery and sad within an hour.
  • Zest the citrus before you juice it, trust me, it is nearly impossible the other way around.
  • If you make this ahead, toss the dressing and herbs in right before serving so everything stays bright and crisp.
03 -
  • Chill your serving bowl in the fridge for ten minutes before plating so the salad stays extra crisp and refreshing.
  • Use a microplane for the citrus zest to get fine, aromatic shreds that distribute evenly without any bitterness.
  • If your carrots are thick, cut them in half lengthwise before peeling so the ribbons are easier to manage and more elegant on the plate.
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