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Sweet Carrot Salad with Dates, Pistachios, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

A fresh and vibrant carrot salad featuring julienned carrots, sweet Medjool dates, crunchy pistachios, and a flavorful dressing made with tahini, honey, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 pound carrots, julienned
  • 3 Medjool dates, pitted and diced
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro
  • ¼ cup mint leaves (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots and Dates: Place the julienned carrots in a large bowl and sprinkle the diced Medjool dates evenly over them.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, tahini, honey, grated garlic, cumin, and sea salt until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the carrot and date mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure the carrots and dates are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
  4. Add Nuts and Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and finely chopped cilantro over the salad, then toss again to distribute evenly.
  5. Finish and Serve: Garnish the salad with the optional mint leaves for a fresh herbal note and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before adding.
  • The julienne cut for carrots can be done using a mandoline or a sharp knife for uniformity.
  • Mint leaves add a refreshing touch but can be omitted if preferred.
  • This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the carrots.
  • Make sure to remove pits completely from the dates to avoid any hard bits.