Bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced, this Carrot Cranberry and Walnut Salad is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Sweet, grated carrots pair beautifully with tart dried cranberries and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, while a tangy lemon-honey dressing ties everything together with a touch of sweetness. Fresh parsley adds a delightful herbal note, making this salad as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort, this refreshing side dish is gluten-free, packed with nutrients, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy weeknight dinner. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a dish thatβs as versatile as it is irresistible.
Peel and grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated carrots in a large mixing bowl.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool slightly, then roughly chop them.
Add the dried cranberries and chopped toasted walnuts to the bowl with the grated carrots.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Serve the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Calories |
1009 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.9 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 31.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 804 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.8 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 67.4 g | ||
| Protein | 11.9 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 1235 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.