Mediterranean Carrot Salad: Fresh, Flavorful & Fun to Make
Mediterranean Carrot Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that bursts with fresh flavors, making it an excellent choice for any meal. This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of carrots with protein-packed green lentils, resulting in a colorful medley that’s both satisfying and healthy. Tossed in a zesty dressing infused with garlic, cumin, and paprika, every bite delivers a delightful explosion of taste. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for grilled chicken or turkey, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. It’s an ideal option for those seeking a plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Rinse the green lentils and combine them with 3 cups of water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until tender but firm. Drain excess water and set aside.
- Peel the carrots and grate or julienne them into thin strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add cooked lentils and grated carrots to the dressing; toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Serve topped with toasted almonds and fresh mint leaves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (180g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg