Description
Zesty Carrot Dressing is a fresh, vibrant, and tangy dressing that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with savory and zesty elements. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, this colorful dressing adds a nutritious boost and a lively flavor to salads, dips, marinades, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cups fresh carrots, shredded or chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel and finely shred or chop fresh carrots to create a smooth base while preserving the natural sweetness essential to the dressing.
- Combine the Liquid Ingredients: In a bowl or blender, add lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk or blend until well emulsified and smooth.
- Add the Seasonings: Mix in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional mustard to balance sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
- Blend Everything Together: Combine the shredded carrots with the liquid mixture in a blender or food processor. Blend until you reach your preferred consistency—smooth or slightly textured.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more lemon juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or salt for balance.
Notes
- Use fresh carrots and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust texture by blending less for chunky or more for a creamy finish according to your preference.
- Emulsify the oil thoroughly with liquids to prevent separation.
- Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before each use.
- Balance sweetness and acidity gradually to achieve harmonious flavor.
- Optionally add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro for added freshness.
- Swap olive oil for tahini or add toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to keep the dressing vegan.
- Add Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy variation that boosts protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Zesty Carrot Dressing, Carrot Salad Dressing, Healthy Dressing, Tangy Dressing, Vegan Dressing, Homemade Dressing