Carrot Top Salad
User Reviews
5
Carrot Top Salad
Description
The Carrot Top Salad highlights the often overlooked carrot greens, finely chopped and incorporated along with coarsely grated carrots and peeled chickpeas for hearty texture. Raisins add bursts of sweetness, balanced by the crunch of pumpkin seeds and savory shallots. The dressing blends extra-virgin olive oil with fresh lemon juice and zest, maple syrup for sweetness, minced garlic, dry mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper, tying the salad's flavors together with brightness and depth.
The carrot tops are thoroughly washed, dried, and sorted from tougher stems, or parsley can substitute if unavailable. The salad's ingredients are tossed to combine and dressed just before serving with clean, balanced flavors imparted from the fresh greens, fruit, and nuts or seeds. The salad is vibrant and offers a mix of soft, crunchy, sweet, and herbal elements.
This salad is best served cold and will remain fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be adapted by swapping chickpeas with other beans, varying dried fruits, or adding herbs like mint or basil for additional flavor notes. For a more filling version, protein like baked tofu or tempeh can be added.
Its use of carrot tops minimizes waste and provides a nutritious salad option. Preparing the carrot tops properly by washing and drying is critical for a fresh-tasting result without bitterness or grit.
Ingredients
For the dressing
- ½ cup Carrot tops washed well, dried and finely chopped (or substitute parsley, 15g
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
For the salad
- ¼ cup carrot greens washed well, dried and chopped (or substitute parsley)
- 1 pound carrot peeled and coarsely grated, 500g
- 15 z chickpeas peeled and coarsely grated, 400 g canned
- ⅓ cup raisins If they’re not plump, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes to rehydrate slightly, 60g
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 2 shallot finely chopped
To serve:
- carrot greens chopped; extra
Instructions
- Prepare the carrot greens by picking out any browned leaves, then cutting the feathery leaves from the long green stems (and discard the stems). Soak them in a bowl of water for a few minutes, then rinse. Repeat. Shake the excess water from the carrot tops, then dry in a salad spinner or gently in a clean tea towel.
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined (or put into a lidded jar and shake). Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- For the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl, and toss to combine. Before serving, toss with the dressing - note that you might not need all of the dressing, so just add enough for your liking.
Notes
- Carrot tops are edible and add fresh, herbal flavor; parsley, basil, or cilantro can be substituted if unavailable.
- Store the salad refrigerated; it stays fresh for 3-4 days and is best served cold.
- Variations include using white or kidney beans instead of chickpeas, or adding protein like baked tofu or tempeh to make it a meal.
- Try substituting maple syrup with honey if preferred, or mix in other dried fruits such as cranberries, golden berries, or currants for variation.
- Add chopped mint or basil for an herbaceous twist; using golden or purple carrots alongside orange carrots can add color contrast.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 162 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 162kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Sodium | 250mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 384mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 12632IU | 253% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 64mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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