Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to salad: the Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad! It’s so refreshing, and the way the sweet maple syrup dances with the zesty citrus is just a flavor explosion! Every time I make this, I’m reminded of sunny picnics and vibrant farmer’s markets bursting with fresh produce. The carrot ribbons not only look stunning, but they soak up all that maple and citrus goodness, making each bite a delight. I whip this up when I need something quick yet impressive; it’s a breeze to prepare and always leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, peeled and ribboned
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Freshly squeezed juice from 1 orange
- Freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How to Prepare Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad
Getting this delightful Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad ready is as easy as pie! Seriously, it’s a breeze. First, grab those beautiful carrots and use a vegetable peeler to create those stunning ribbon shapes. It’s mesmerizing to watch them peel away, and trust me, it makes the salad look fancy without any extra effort! Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens! Once everything’s whisked and combined, toss the carrot ribbons in a large bowl with your delicious dressing, making sure every ribbon is coated evenly. Oh, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley—it adds a lovely pop of color! And voila, your salad is ready to shine on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by peeling the 4 large carrots. Use a vegetable peeler to make long, thin ribbons. If you notice the ribbons are breaking, just use a gentle hand and take your time!
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, the juice from 1 freshly squeezed orange, and the juice from 1 freshly squeezed lemon. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, along with salt and pepper to taste. This will create a bright, tangy dressing that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
- Once your dressing is well-mixed, place the carrot ribbons in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the ribbons, and gently toss everything together with your hands or a pair of tongs until the carrots are evenly coated. You want to be gentle here to maintain the beautiful ribbon shape!
- Finally, chop up 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top of your salad for that fresh, vibrant finish. It not only looks gorgeous but also adds a lovely herby note.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing crunch! If you’re not serving right away, you can store it in the fridge for a little while, but be sure to toss it again before serving to recoat those ribbons in the delicious dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for warm days!
- Whips up in just 15 minutes—ideal for a quick side dish!
- Features wholesome, healthy ingredients that are vegan-friendly.
- The vibrant colors and flavors make it visually stunning.
- Versatile enough to pair with any meal or stand alone as a light lunch.
Tips for Success
To make your Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad truly shine, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness! If you like it a bit sweeter, just add a touch more maple syrup—taste as you go! For added crunch and flavor, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, like walnuts or sunflower seeds. They add a delightful bite! And if you want to make it even more of a meal, serve it over a bed of greens or alongside some grilled chicken. Enjoy experimenting and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad is not only delicious but also nutritious! You’ll find approximately 120 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Plus, it packs in 3g of fiber to keep you satisfied. Remember, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so your results may vary slightly. It’s a guilt-free delight that you can enjoy without a second thought!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a gentle toss right before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What other vegetables work well in this salad? While the carrots are the star of the show, you could also add thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color. Just remember to keep them fresh!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two to maintain that lovely crunch!
Can I use different types of citrus? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit or lime for a unique twist. Each will bring its own special flavor to the salad!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes! This Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep the carrots fresh and crisp!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delicious Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed right away for that lovely crunch! There’s no need to reheat this salad; just give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh those flavors. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing salad with a blend of maple and citrus flavors, featuring ribbon-cut carrots.
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, peeled
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to create carrot ribbons.
- In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine carrot ribbons with the dressing in a large bowl.
- Toss gently to coat the carrots evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- For extra flavor, add nuts or seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Maple Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad, carrot salad, vegan salad, healthy salad