Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Carrot Feta Pistachio Salad is a Mediterranean masterpiece that combines the sweetness of carrots, the tangy richness of feta, and the nutty crunch of pistachios in a symphony of taste and texture. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and those seeking a quick, nutritious dish that looks as stunning as it tastes, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Carrots, grated
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Pistachios, chopped
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
Instructions
- Wash and peel 4-5 medium carrots thoroughly under cool running water.
- Using a box grater or food processor with a grating attachment, grate the carrots into fine, uniform shreds. Aim for thin, delicate strips that will absorb dressing easily.
- Transfer grated carrots to a large mixing bowl, creating a light and fluffy base for the salad.
- Crumble approximately 100 grams of feta cheese into small, uneven pieces directly over the carrots.
- Roughly chop about 1/2 cup of raw pistachios, ensuring some pieces remain slightly larger for textural contrast.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Finely chop fresh herbs like dill or parsley and sprinkle generously over the salad.
- Allow salad to rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to let flavors meld together before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped pistachios and a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Tips
- Grating Technique: Use a sharp box grater or food processor to create uniform, delicate carrot shreds. Finer grating helps the carrots absorb the dressing more effectively.
- Cheese Selection: Choose a high-quality, creamy feta for the best flavor. If possible, use Greek feta for authentic taste.
- Nut Preparation: Lightly toast the pistachios for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor, but be careful not to burn them.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats every ingredient.
- Herb Fresh Factor: Use fresh herbs and chop them just before adding to maintain maximum flavor and aroma.
- Resting Time: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with whole pistachio pieces and a light drizzle of premium olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 319kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 8g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
