Mediterranean Spiced Carrot and Walnut Salad
Delve into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Spiced Carrot and Walnut Salad. A staple from Chef on a Shoestring's Greek menu, this salad combines the natural sweetness of shredded carrots with the earthy crunch of ground walnuts, while aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin deliver a warm, inviting taste profile. The addition of fresh mint brightens the dish, making it a refreshing complement to any meal. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe is easily scalable to suit any occasion, and can be prepared in advance for effortless entertaining. Allow it to sit for just an hour, or refrigerate up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor infusion. Serve this colorful salad as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or a flavorful addition to mezze spreads.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
8 (large, shredded)
Garlic
1 (small clove, minced)
Ground Walnuts
4 (tablespoons)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 (teaspoon)
Ground Cumin
1/2 (teaspoon)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 (teaspoon (or more, to taste))
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 (cup)
Lemon
1 (juice of)
Salt
to taste
Fresh Mint
1/4 (cup, shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and shredding the large carrots using a box grater or a food processor, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, ground walnuts, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt.
3
Pour the spice mixture over the shredded carrots, and toss thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the carrots are evenly coated.
4
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad sit at room temperature for one hour, or in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Before serving, gently fold in the shredded fresh mint and toss lightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature as an appetizing side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in the Mediterranean Spiced Carrot and Walnut Salad?
The main ingredient is 8 large shredded carrots.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total including carrots, garlic, walnuts, spices, oil, lemon, salt, and mint.
How should I prepare the carrots?
You should peel the carrots and shred them using either a box grater or a food processor.
What type of nuts are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of ground walnuts.
Which spices provide the warm flavor profile?
The warm flavor comes from ground cinnamon and ground cumin.
Is the salad spicy?
It has a slight heat from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your taste.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is needed?
One small clove of garlic, minced, is used for the dressing.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared up to 8 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
It should sit for at least one hour at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
When should I add the fresh mint?
The shredded fresh mint should be folded in just before serving.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch, side dish, or part of a mezze spread.
Is this recipe part of a specific menu?
Yes, it is a staple from Chef on a Shoestring's Greek menu.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
The recipe calls for the juice of one lemon, though lime could be used as a citrus substitute.
What does the mint add to the dish?
The fresh mint brightens the dish and makes it a refreshing complement to the warm spices.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, nutritious, and a fresh salad option.
Can I scale this recipe for a party?
Yes, the recipe is described as easily scalable to suit any occasion.
What equipment do I need for the carrots?
A box grater or a food processor is recommended for shredding.
What is the texture of the walnuts?
The walnuts should be ground to provide an earthy crunch.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste in the spice mixture.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to peel and shred the large carrots and place them in a mixing bowl.
What is the second step of the instructions?
The second step is to whisk together the garlic, walnuts, spices, oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Should the bowl be covered while resting?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid while the flavors meld.
Is this a Mediterranean style dish?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean Spiced Carrot and Walnut Salad.
Can I serve this with meat?
Yes, it is recommended as a side dish for grilled meats.
How much mint is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of shredded fresh mint.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
No, the sweetness comes naturally from the carrots.