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Sweet and Tangy Carrot Salad with Dates, Pistachios, and Tahini Dressing Recipe


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3.8 from 55 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant carrot salad is a refreshing and simple side dish perfect for dinner, brunch, or packed lunches. Featuring julienned carrots, sweet Medjool dates, crunchy pistachios, fresh herbs, and a tangy tahini-lemon dressing, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect make-ahead, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


Ingredients

Main 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

  • 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 vegetables: Use a julienne peeler to julienne 1 pound of carrots and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle 3 pitted and diced Medjool dates over the carrots.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of tahini, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 grated small garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon of cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt until well combined.
  3. Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the julienned carrots and dates. Toss thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly.
  4. Add nuts and herbs: Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped pistachios and ⅓ cup of finely chopped cilantro over the salad, then toss gently again to distribute.
  5. Garnish and serve: Scatter ¼ cup of mint leaves (if using) on top for a fresh garnish. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option.
  • For a nut-free version, omit pistachios or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste.
  • Use fresh herbs like cilantro and mint to add brightness and contrast to the sweetness of the dates.
  • If unable to julienne carrots, thinly slice them or use pre-shredded carrots as an alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean