Imagine a salad so vibrant, so bursting with flavor, that it turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Our Carrot Salad with Mint and Currants is not just a side dish—it's a symphony of fresh, zesty, and sweet notes that will dance across your palate and leave you craving more. With just 12 minutes of preparation time, you'll create a dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, impressing everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 12 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 12 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup currants
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the carrots thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin, then proceed to grate them using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. Place the grated carrots into a large mixing bowl.
- Next, measure out 1/4 cup of currants. If the currants are dry, you may want to soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the salad. After soaking, drain the currants and add them to the bowl with the grated carrots.
- Chop the fresh mint leaves finely. You can stack the mint leaves, roll them tightly, and then slice them thinly to create a chiffonade. Add the chopped mint to the mixing bowl with the carrots and currants.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. This will serve as your dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the carrot mixture in the large bowl.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until the grated carrots, currants, and mint are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, mix it in, and adjust according to your preference. Remember that the currants will add a touch of sweetness, so be mindful of the saltiness.
- Once everything is well mixed, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste of the salad.
- After the resting period, give the salad one final toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the carrot salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
- This refreshing Carrot Salad with Mint and Currants is now ready to enjoy! It makes a perfect side dish for any meal or can be served as a light lunch on its own.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp carrots for the best texture and flavor. Organic carrots tend to have a sweeter taste.
- When grating carrots, use the large holes of a box grater for optimal texture.
- Soak currants in warm water briefly to make them plump and juicy before adding to the salad.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast the mint leaves lightly before chopping to release their essential oils.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- For a variation, try adding toasted pine nuts or replacing apple cider vinegar with lemon juice.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
