Carrot Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

I love carrot salads like this one--easy and colorful and popping with bright and tangy flavor that compels you to keep going back in for one more forkful. (And another. And another...)

After some carrot cake baking this past weekend, I found myself with a bunch of extra shredded carrots, so figured a Carrot Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette was definitely in order.

I think carrot salads usually tend to be too sweet--often seasoned with sugar and warm spices, but what I was craving was something light and acidic. This easy dijon mustard vinaigrette whips together in just a few seconds, and works perfectly with the sweet shredded carrots. A bit of a fresh parsley and it's done!

I used pre-shredded carrots that I bought for the cake this past weekend (I love a good shortcut and was not in the mood to wash my food processor afterward), but you can use carrots you shred yourself. Or you can even just slice them thinly. Whatever works best for you.

The one thing I will advise is that you make this at least two hours before serving. Carrots are a hard vegetable, and they need a couple hours to soak in the dressing and soften up a bit. It's good right away, for sure, but it's GREAT a couple hours later. Trust me on this.

I love this salad on its own as a side dish, or as a condiment--use it as a topping on sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or fish tacos. There are seriously so many good uses for this easy dish.

Enjoy!

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Loved this recipe? Here are three other Winter Salad Recipes you might like:

• Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pecorino
• Kale Salad with Dates, Hazelnuts & Spicy Lemon Dressing
• Napa Cabbage Salad with Apple Butter Vinaigrette

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Thanks so much for reading

Carrot Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Serves 4

Ingredients
5 cups shredded carrots
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup apple cider or red wine vinegar
1/3 cup neutral flavor oil (grape seed, avocado, vegetable, etc.)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, oils, and honey until well combined. Add the shredded carrots and parsley and toss well to coat. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss again. Cover, and let sit at room temperature 2 hours. Toss again and serve.