This is a salad that comes together quickly, it is one I make confidently for a last minute addition to a meal when you want something fresh, with a bit of crunch. I serve it with a spicy warm bowl of dal and rice.
Carrots are the bulk of the recipe, however, at times I combine them with shaved beetroot. The sunflower sprouts add a bit of colour and more crunch, with the sesame seeds providing that nutty earthiness. The dressing enlivens everything; adding a sweet tangy zingy lift. It can be made with cucumbers or fennel, it doesn’t require an exact recipe, normally I do one or two carrots depending on the number of people. I usually make a good amount of the dressing to use throughout the week.
shaved carrot salad
Preparation 20 minutes
Serves 6 – as a side dish
This simple salad is a joy to make, can be ready within minutes and has been requested many times whenever it is served. The dressing is from this salad recipe which I make so often.
for the salad
3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
4 medium/420g carrots
two handful’s of sunflower sprout
3 Tbsp sesame seeds
for the dressing
1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp agave or honey
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
⅛ tsp fine rock salt
to make the salad
1. Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat. This will only take a few minutes until they start getting a little colour and become fragrant – set aside to cool.
2. Remove the carrot tops, wash and trim the carrots. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel ribbons of carrots into a salad bowl. Apply pressure as you peel to achieve thicker ribbons. For the very end pieces which are difficult to ribbon, chop them and add them to the salad.
3. Wash the sunflower sprouts, dry and add them to the shaved carrots. Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
prepare the dressing
4. Grate the ginger (skin and all) and whisk the lemon juice, agave/honey, salt, and oil together – taste adding extra sweet, if needed.
5. When ready to serve, sprinkle over the sesame seeds and pour over the dressing. Gently lifting the shaved carrots and distribute the dressing through the salad without over mixing. Sprinkle over a few nasturtiums flowers if you have them in the garden.
