French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette is the kind of dish that instantly brings a ray of French sunshine to your table. Crisp, vibrant carrots are gently tossed with a zingy vinaigrette packed with fresh lemon and the subtle bite of Dijon mustard. It’s simple yet deeply flavorful, the type Salad, Side Dish. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a breezy side, or a colorful addition to a picnic spread, this salad has a way of winning everyone over—one crunchy, tangy bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of straightforward ingredients is all you need for this French classic, yet every single one truly earns its place in the bowl. Each adds a different touch of color, flavor, or crunch that makes French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette so special.
- Carrots: Sweet, crisp, and brilliantly orange—they’re the heart and soul of this salad, so use the freshest you can find.
- Fresh parsley: This herb gives a grassy freshness that brightens up every bite.
- Green onions: Mildly pungent, they lend a soft, savory edge without overpowering the star flavors.
- Fresh lemon juice: Zesty and bright, fresh lemon adds the essential tang to balance out sweetness and richness.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette its signature French flair and just the right touch of heat.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Smooths out the vinaigrette and adds richness.
- Honey: Rounds out the sharpness with a delicate note of sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential finishing touches to season the salad and make all the flavors pop.
How to Make French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Veggies
Start by peeling and grating four cups of fresh carrots—this is where all that natural sweetness and crunch comes from. Toss the carrots into a large bowl, then sprinkle in the chopped parsley and sliced green onions. Mixing these together ensures each forkful is full of color and fresh flavor.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Grab a small bowl and whisk up the vinaigrette: lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Be vigorous here! Whisk until the vinaigrette is completely smooth and emulsified—you want a dressing that clings beautifully to every strand of carrot.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour your zesty vinaigrette right over the carrot mixture, using a spatula or tongs to toss everything together until the veggies are lively and glistening. Take a moment to marvel at just how vibrant this French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette becomes—it’s visually irresistible!
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry
Don’t rush it! Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes. This gives the carrots time to soak up the vinaigrette, making the flavors more harmonious and the texture even better.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Serve your salad chilled straight from the fridge, or at room temperature if you prefer a softer, earthier vibe. Either way, the flavors stay bright and fresh, making this French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Garnishes
A final shower of extra chopped parsley or a little lemon zest can add an aromatic finish, while a handful of toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds gives delightful crunch and a toasty flavor contrast that pairs brilliantly with the carrots.
Side Dishes
This salad shines wherever you place it: next to grilled chicken, roasted fish, or tucked into a spread of mezze and cheese. French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette has a versatile personality, making it a perfect partner for sandwiches, quiche, or even a cozy weeknight soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Mound the salad atop crisp endive leaves for a party appetizer, or tuck it into wraps for a quick lunch. For a more elegant effect, serve it in small glass jars or ramekins—it’s a playful, colorful starter that always grabs attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad should stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days—after that, the carrots start to lose their crispness, but the flavor is still lively.
Freezing
French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette isn’t a great candidate for freezing, as the carrots and vinaigrette can become watery and limp once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this salad freshly made or after a short stint in the fridge.
Reheating
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature—no reheating required! Simply give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing before serving, and you’re good to go.
FAQs
Can I grate the carrots ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can grate the carrots a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge tightly covered. Just keep in mind, the fresher the carrots, the crunchier the salad will be in the end.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No problem—you can substitute with stone-ground mustard or a bit of spicy brown mustard. The flavor twist is subtle but still delicious, and you’ll keep that French character in your French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s vegan as written! If you want to ensure it’s strictly vegan, swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar—the result will still be beautifully balanced.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly. Try tossing in shredded apple for sweetness or finely sliced radishes for a peppery crunch. This salad loves a bit of creativity, and these additions fit right in with its French roots.
What’s the best way to grate the carrots?
A box grater works perfectly, but a food processor with a shredding attachment makes the job even easier, especially if you’re making a big batch of French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette.
Final Thoughts
Give this French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette a place at your table and let it brighten your meal with its citrusy zing and cheerful crunch. I guarantee it’ll become an instant favorite—it’s easy, versatile, and always surprisingly delightful!
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French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet carrots, zesty lemon, and tangy Dijon mustard makes for a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Carrot Salad:
- 4 cups carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, chopped parsley, and sliced green onions.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the vinaigrette over the carrot mixture and toss until well coated.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
