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rainbow carrot salad recipe

Lemon Tahini Rainbow Carrot Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 1 lb rainbow carrots peeled and julienned or shredded (about 5-6 large carrots)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) lightly toasted
Lemon Tahini Dressing
  • 1/4 cup tahini well stirred
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 2-3 tbsp ice water to thin the dressing
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly cracked

Method
 

  1. Wash, peel, and julienne the rainbow carrots. You can use a julienne peeler, a sharp knife, or the shredding attachment on a food processor. Place the shredded carrots into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a smaller bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. The mixture will likely thicken and seize up; whisk in the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dressing becomes smooth, creamy, and pourable.
  3. Pour the creamy lemon tahini dressing over the shredded carrots. Add the chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds. Use tongs to toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.
  4. For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving so the carrots can absorb the dressing. Serve fresh, or cover and refrigerate for later!

Notes

• Tahini brands vary greatly in thickness. If your dressing is still too thick after 3 tablespoons of water, keep adding a splash at a time until it reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency.
• To easily toast raw pumpkin seeds, toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they begin to pop and smell fragrant. Watch them closely so they don't burn!
• This salad holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it an ideal candidate for Sunday meal prep.