Grilled Carrot Arugula Salad with Avocado and Tahini Sauce
This vibrant Mediterranean salad celebrates sweet grilled carrots, peppery arugula, and creamy avocado, all brought together with a silky lemon-tahini dressing. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the nutty tahini and the freshness of the greens, making this a satisfying and nourishing salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6–8 medium carrots, peeled and cut lengthwise
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cups fresh arugula
1 ripe avocado, sliced
¼ cup toasted almonds or pistachios (optional, for crunch)
1 tbsp lemon juice (for tossing greens)
For the Tahini Sauce:
3 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp warm water (more as needed to thin)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Grill the Carrots
1. Preheat a grill pan (or outdoor grill) to medium heat.
2. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Tahini Sauce
1. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and warm water until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed — it should be creamy but pourable.
3. Season with salt to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, toss arugula with a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
2. Arrange grilled carrots and avocado slices over the greens.
3. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
4. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top for added texture.
️ Serving Suggestion
Serve immediately as a light main course or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced Mediterranean meal.
Notes & Tips
Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
For more depth, drizzle a bit of honey or pomegranate molasses on top.
You can roast the carrots in the oven (at 400°F/200°C for 20–25 minutes) if you don’t have a grill.
Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, grill the carrots and make the tahini sauce ahead, but assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest texture.
Q: What can I use instead of arugula?
Baby spinach, kale, or mixed greens also work beautifully.
ℹ️ Nutritional Information
Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: 7g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 6g