Classic Homemade Grated Carrot Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette: Easy, Fresh & Healthy Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and flavorful side dish or light starter, this homemade grated carrot salad with mustard vinaigrette is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any season. Easy to make in just minutes, this fresh and crunchy salad brings vibrant color, vitamins, and natural sweetness to your table. Ideal as an appetizer, side salad, or picnic dish, this traditional recipe is budget-friendly and packed with flavor.
In this detailed post, you’ll find the exact ingredient quantities optimized for balance, step-by-step instructions, expert tips for making perfectly crunchy grated carrot salad, tasty variations to mix things up, and answers to common questions. This grated carrot salad recipe is perfect for those wanting a fresh, tangy, and easy-to-make salad that appeals to families across Canada and the USA.
Ingredients for Homemade Grated Carrot Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette (Serves 4)
- 600 g fresh carrots (about 5 medium carrots)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon neutral vegetable oil (sunflower or canola) — approximately 20 ml
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar — approximately 15 ml
- 1 to 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt (about 2.5 g), adjust as needed
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (about 1 g)
How to Make the Best Grated Carrot Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
1. Prepare the Carrots
Wash the carrots thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler and trim the ends. Reserve the peels for composting or animal feed if possible to reduce waste. Grate the carrots finely using a manual grater with medium-sized teeth or a food processor fitted with a grating disc. Transfer the grated carrots into a large mixing bowl and keep refrigerated if not seasoning immediately to maintain crispness.
2. Make the Mustard Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the neutral oil, white wine or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. The vinaigrette should be creamy and tangy, perfectly balancing the natural sweetness of the carrots.
If you enjoy fresh and tangy sides like this one, don’t miss our Greek Pasta Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette, or this creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette. You can also pair your salad with Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken or a classic Steak au Poivre for a full meal.
3. Dress the Salad
Just before serving, pour the mustard vinaigrette over the grated carrots. Gently toss with a spoon or clean hands to evenly coat the carrots without crushing them. This helps keep the texture light and crunchy.
4. Let the Flavors Marinate
Place the dressed carrot salad in the refrigerator and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, making it refreshing and delicious.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. This grated carrot salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, herb omelets, hard-boiled eggs, quiches, or simply with crusty toasted bread.
Why This Grated Carrot Salad Recipe Works So Well
Balanced Flavor and Texture
The carefully adjusted ratio of oil, vinegar, and mustard creates a perfectly balanced dressing that highlights the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh carrots. The amount of salt is optimized to season without causing the carrots to release excess water, which can make the salad soggy.
Freshness and Crispness
Grating the carrots shortly before serving and waiting to dress them ensures maximum freshness and crunch. The chilling step enhances flavor development while keeping the salad crisp and refreshing.
Easy and Quick to Prepare
With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, this salad is an ideal choice for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or picnics.
Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Grated Carrot Salad
- Choose fresh, firm carrots, preferably organic or locally sourced for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid salting the carrots before dressing to prevent them from releasing water and becoming soggy.
- Use a manual grater for better texture control or a food processor for convenience, but avoid over-processing.
- Mix the salad gently with your hands to distribute the vinaigrette evenly without mashing the carrots.
- Experiment with vinegar types: apple cider vinegar adds a fruity sweetness, while white wine vinegar delivers a classic sharpness. Lemon juice can also be a fresh alternative.
Variations and Add-Ins to Customize Your Grated Carrot Salad
- Sweet and Savory: Toss in a handful of golden raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
- Crunch Boost: Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika to the dressing for a warm, earthy note.
- Creamy Twist: Substitute part of the oil with plain yogurt or light sour cream for a creamier salad.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in grated celery root, raw beetroot, or thinly sliced green apple for color and variety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare this grated carrot salad in advance?
Yes, but to maintain crunchiness, grate the carrots the same day and add the dressing just before serving.
What’s the best tool for grating carrots?
A medium-toothed manual grater offers excellent control over texture. A food processor with a grating attachment works well too, especially for larger batches.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mustard is mild, but you can reduce or omit it for younger children’s tastes.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Finely shredded cabbage, grated zucchini, or diced apples work great to vary flavor and texture.
What dishes pair well with grated carrot salad?
It complements grilled chicken or fish, omelets, hard-boiled eggs, savory tarts, and crusty bread perfectly.
Why Include Grated Carrot Salad in Your Healthy Diet?
- Carrots are packed with fiber and vitamins A, C, and K, essential for immune support and healthy skin.
- This raw vegetable salad helps increase your daily intake of fresh produce in a delicious, easy way.
- Naturally low-calorie and gluten-free, it fits well into many dietary preferences and lifestyles.
- It’s an ideal fresh side dish for warm weather and complements heartier dishes during colder months.
Other Simple and Flavorful Sides You’ll Love
- Greek Pasta Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette — herby, refreshing, and easy to prep ahead.
- Tuna Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette — creamy, satisfying, and perfect for warm days.
- Homemade Pesto Pasta — simple and bright with fresh basil.
- Crispy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken — a great protein to serve with fresh sides.
- Steak au Poivre — quick and elegant bistro-style dinner.
Useful Links
🛒 Michel Dumas Shop : Explore our kitchen essentials, including aprons and knives.
🌐 Linktree : Access all our important links in one place.
📱 YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok : Follow us for the latest recipes and culinary tips.
Classic Homemade Grated Carrot Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette: Easy, Fresh & Healthy Recipe
Ingredients
- 600 g fresh carrots about 5 medium carrots
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp neutral vegetable oil sunflower or canola — ~20 ml
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar — ~15 ml
- 1 to 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp fine salt ~2.5 g, adjust to taste
- ¼ to ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper ~1 g
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and finely grate the carrots. Place in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the carrots just before serving. Toss gently to combine without crushing the carrots.
- Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld and serve chilled.
- Stir lightly before serving.
Video
Notes
Variations and Add-Ins to Customize Your Grated Carrot Salad
- Sweet and Savory: Toss in a handful of golden raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
- Crunch Boost: Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika to the dressing for a warm, earthy note.
- Creamy Twist: Substitute part of the oil with plain yogurt or light sour cream for a creamier salad.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in grated celery root, raw beetroot, or thinly sliced green apple for color and variety.
