Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make salad for any occasion? Look no further than this Carrot Ribbon Salad! With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of sweet carrots, savory bacon, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
- This salad is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a last-minute side dish or meal prep option.
Ingredient Notes:
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the dressing.
- White sugar: Balances out the acidity of the vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy flavor to the dressing.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Carrots: Peeled into wide ribbons for a unique presentation.
- Crumbled cooked bacon: Adds a savory and smoky element.
- Thinly sliced shallots: Adds a mild onion flavor.
- Dried sweetened cranberries: Adds a pop of sweetness.
- Honey-roasted pecan pieces: Adds a crunchy texture and sweetness.
- Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Adds freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, and kosher salt.
- Add carrots, bacon, shallots, cranberries, pecans, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas for protein.
- To make this salad ahead of time, prep the ingredients separately and toss together just before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a vegetable peeler to create wide carrot ribbons for a visually appealing presentation.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the salad to enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Carrot Ribbon Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular pecans instead of honey-roasted pecans?
- Yes, regular pecans will work just fine in this recipe.
- Can I substitute dried cherries for the cranberries?
- Absolutely, feel free to use any dried fruit you prefer.
- How far in advance can I make this salad?
- You can prep the ingredients up to a day in advance, but wait to toss the salad together until just before serving.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
- Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in the dressing.
Conclusion:
Don’t wait any longer to try this delicious Carrot Ribbon Salad! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a flavorful addition to your meal prep routine, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!
PrintCarrot Ribbon Salad
This refreshing Carrot Ribbon Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, featuring carrot ribbons, crispy bacon, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans tossed in a creamy dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing:
-
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Salad:
- 4 carrots, peeled into wide ribbons (about 4 cups)
- 1/3 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced shallots
- 3 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries
- 3 tablespoons honey-roasted pecan pieces
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine carrot ribbons, bacon, shallots, cranberries, pecans, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add extra nuts or seeds for crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup