Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad (Print Version)

Delicate carrot and cucumber ribbons tossed with citrus juices, fresh herbs, and a hint of honey.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large carrots, peeled
02 - 1 small cucumber, seeds removed

→ Citrus

03 - 1 lemon, zest and juice
04 - 1 orange, zest and juice

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon honey
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios or almonds, chopped (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots and cucumber into long, thin ribbons. Place them in a large salad bowl.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, lemon and orange zest, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Pour the dressing over the carrot and cucumber ribbons. Add the chopped mint and parsley. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It tastes like sunshine but comes together in less time than you'd spend scrolling through your phone.
  • There's no cooking involved, which means your kitchen stays cool and you can make this on the laziest summer evening.
  • The crunch and brightness wake up your palate in a way that feels almost medicinal after heavy meals.
02 -
  • If you assemble this more than an hour ahead, the carrot ribbons will begin to soften and wilt, so save the dressing until the last moment if you're prepping early.
  • The zest matters more than the juice—that's where the real citrus perfume lives, and it stays bright even if the dish sits for a bit.
03 -
  • If your peeler isn't sharp, the carrot ribbons will shred instead of strip—a dull peeler turns this into a fine mess, so test it on a potato first.
  • Chill your serving bowl in the freezer for ten minutes before assembling if you're serving this in summer heat; it keeps everything crisp longer.
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