Zesty Carrot and Cranberry Crunch Salad
This Zesty Carrot and Cranberry Crunch Salad is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and tangy sweetness that will brighten up any meal. I spent time experimenting with various flavors to create the perfect blend that balances the earthy sweetness of carrots and the tartness of cranberries. This dish features a light and zesty dressing that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them, making it a refreshing addition to your dining table. The addition of green onions adds a subtle sharpness, while the celery seed provides a hint of fragrance and depth. Chill it for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, and serve it as a light side dish or a healthy snack. Enjoy the crunch and freshness in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Miracle Whip (salad dressing)
1/4 cup (none)
lime juice
1/2 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
celery seed
1/4 teaspoon (rubbed to release flavour)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
carrots (matchstick cut)
1 (12 ounce) bag (matchstick cut)
dried cranberries
1/4 cup (loosely packed)
green onion
1 (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, lime juice, rubbed celery seed, salt, and fresh ground pepper until well-combined.
2
In a separate medium bowl, combine the matchstick-cut carrots, dried cranberries, and sliced green onions. Toss them gently to mix.
3
Pour the dressing mixture over the carrot mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become crisp and refreshing.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and enjoy your Zesty Carrot and Cranberry Crunch Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Carrot and Cranberry Crunch Salad?
This is a refreshing salad combining matchstick-cut carrots, tart dried cranberries, and a zesty dressing made with lime juice and celery seed.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include carrots, dried cranberries, green onions, Miracle Whip, lime juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk together Miracle Whip, lime juice, rubbed celery seed, salt, and fresh ground pepper in a small mixing bowl until well-combined.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise for Miracle Whip, though the flavor will be less tangy and slightly more savory.
What type of carrots should I use?
The recipe calls for a 12-ounce bag of matchstick-cut carrots for convenience and the perfect crunchy texture.
Why should I rub the celery seed?
Rubbing the celery seed helps to release its natural oils and fragrance, providing a deeper flavor to the dressing.
Is the lime juice necessary?
Yes, the lime juice provides the citrusy zest that balances the sweetness of the carrots and cranberries.
How long should the salad chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become crisp.
Can I eat the salad immediately?
While you can eat it right away, chilling it for 2 hours significantly improves the taste and texture.
How do I serve this dish?
Give it a gentle toss before serving and enjoy it as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your salad dressing to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes, adding walnuts or pecans would provide an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
How many green onions do I need?
The recipe calls for one sliced green onion.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 12-ounce bag of carrots, it typically serves about 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Yes, lemon juice is a suitable substitute, though it will have a slightly different citrus profile.
What should I do if I don't have matchstick carrots?
You can grate whole carrots using a box grater to achieve a similar fine-shredded texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this salad dairy-free?
Miracle Whip does not contain dairy, making this salad dairy-free, but always check specific brand labels.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply replace the Miracle Whip with a vegan-friendly salad dressing or mayonnaise alternative.
What does the celery seed add to the recipe?
Celery seed adds a hint of fragrance and a subtle depth of flavor that complements the earthy carrots.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are very tart and hard; dried cranberries are recommended for their chewy texture and sweetness.
Is this a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to develop.
Can I freeze this salad?
No, freezing is not recommended as it will ruin the texture of the fresh carrots and dressing.
How much dried cranberries should I use?
Use 1/4 cup of loosely packed dried cranberries.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group at a party or BBQ.
What makes the salad zesty?
The combination of lime juice, tangy Miracle Whip, and sliced green onions creates the zesty flavor profile.
Is this recipe low in fat?
The fat content depends on the dressing used; Miracle Whip is generally lower in fat than traditional mayonnaise.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, finely diced bell peppers or shredded cabbage would be excellent additions to this salad.
Should I wash the carrots first?
If using pre-cut matchstick carrots, they are usually pre-washed, but you can rinse and drain them if you prefer.