Description
A fresh and vibrant Carrot Salad featuring crunchy matchsticks of carrots combined with green onions, mint, pistachios, dates, and toasted sesame seeds, all tossed in a zesty tahini dressing seasoned with garlic, lemon, sumac, cumin, and Aleppo pepper. Perfect as a light, flavorful side or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 1 pound carrots, trimmed and peeled
- 3 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup roughly crushed pistachios, plus more for garnish
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped into small bits
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, about 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Slice the carrots: Slice carrots into 2- to 3-inch pieces and then lengthwise into thin planks about 1/8 inch thick. Stack the planks and cut them into thin matchstick strips. Alternatively, grate or shred using a box grater, peeler, spiralizer, or food processor.
- Make the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared carrot matchsticks with thinly sliced green onions, chopped mint leaves, crushed pistachios, chopped dates, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, honey, water, sumac, cumin, Aleppo pepper, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in extra virgin olive oil (about 1/4 cup) until the dressing reaches a balanced, smooth consistency.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine well. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and crushed pistachios. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- If Medjool dates are unavailable, substitute with another soft sweet date variety or dried figs.
- The dressing consistency can be adjusted by adding more water or oil as needed.
- Salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; toss again before serving.
- For extra crunch, toast the pistachios lightly before adding to the salad.
