Carrot Salad with Crispy Quinoa
This salad combines sweet shredded carrots, nutty crispy quinoa, fresh herbs, and a tangy honey-lemon dressing. It’s refreshing, protein-packed, and full of texture—perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the crispy quinoa:
½ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For the salad:
3–4 medium carrots, peeled and shredded (or ribboned)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro)
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
3 tbsp toasted almonds or pistachios, roughly chopped
2 tbsp golden raisins (or dried cranberries)
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the quinoa:
In a small pot, cook quinoa with 1 cup water and a pinch of salt until fluffy (about 12 minutes). Drain excess water if needed.
2. Crisp it up:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Spread the cooked quinoa in a thin layer, stirring occasionally until golden and crispy (8–10 minutes). Set aside to cool.
3. Make the dressing:
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, toss shredded carrots, parsley, mint, raisins, and nuts with the dressing.
Just before serving, sprinkle crispy quinoa and feta over the top for crunch.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, add a touch of orange zest to the dressing.
If you prefer a heartier version, mix in chickpeas or roasted sweet potatoes.
Store leftover salad (without quinoa) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep quinoa separate to maintain crunch.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make the quinoa ahead?
Yes! Crispy quinoa keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Q: Can I use store-bought cooked quinoa?
Yes, just crisp it up directly in the skillet.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~220
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 5g