How To Make Spicy Carrot Feta Ginger Salad
How To Prepare the Carrot Ribbons
Start with cutting the tops of your large carrots and peeling the outer skin with your trusted vegetable peeler. Using your peeler, shave the carrots to get long and even ribbons. If you’re ever left with some carrot chunks, don’t just throw them away. You can still use them in your other dishes or even toss them into your
Homemade Vegetable Broth.
How To Prepare Spicy Dressing
You can either use a mason jar or whisk to emulsify your spicy vinaigrette dressing. Combine the garlic paste, olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Tabasco, ground ginger, and salt and pepper. If you’re using a mason jar, make sure the lid is properly sealed, and you can begin with your best dance shake to combine it fully. If you're using the more traditional whisking method, whisk until your dressing is well combined.
How To Assemble Spicy Carrot Feta Ginger Salad
In a mixing bowl, toss your carrot ribbons with your spicy vinaigrette until fully coated. When ready to serve, add your cilantro leaves and crumbled feta cheese. Toss everything together until well combined. You can serve it in the same bowl or transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with some more freshly ground black pepper, crumbled feta cheese, and cilantro leaves.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Carrots - known for being rich in beta-carotene that turns into vitamin A. Its sweet and earthy flavor with crunchy texture is easily the perfect base for this salad. Make sure to use fresh carrots for this dish.
- Feta - the most popular cheese in Mediterranean cuisines. This crumbly white cheese’s briny, salty, and tangy flavor is a great addition to flavor with every bite.
- Cilantro - also known as coriander, most popular in Latin American, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines. Cilantro has a vibrant, herby, and citrusy flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley.
- Olive Oil - the rich flavor of this heart-healthy fat made from crushed olives is always the go-to for vinaigrettes. In this recipe, you can use your preferred olive oil, if you want a stronger flavor, opt for the extra virgin variety.
- White Wine Vinegar - has a light fruity tone and is more delicate in flavor compared to red wine vinegar. If you don’t have one in your pantry, both apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar can be good substitutes for white wine vinegar.
- Honey - aside from acting as an emulsifier, honey adds depth and balance to your vinaigrette.
- Tabasco - being vinegar-based, it is a perfect hot sauce to add that kick of spice and heat for this dressing.
- Ginger - a touch of ginger for the salad dressing will help brighten the whole flavor and gives some warm notes too.
- Garlic - fresh garlic paste has a great intensity of flavor, a truly welcome addition for this spicy dressing.
Tips & Suggestions
- Adjusting heat or sweetness - don’t forget to taste your vinaigrette. Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more Tabasco or if you want it on a sweeter side, you can add a bit more honey.
- Salad Variations - you can use this spicy dressing with your favorite greens. You can try it with some fresh baby spinach and cherry tomatoes.
- Protein Pairings - this spicy carrot salad pairs great with protein too! You can easily pair it with Classic Pan-Seared Steak, Lime Chili Chicken Skewers, or even some Seared Salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Spicy Vinaigrette Dressing Last?
If you want to make a big batch of this spicy and tangy vinaigrette, it can last for 7 days in the fridge because of the addition of fresh garlic. If you wish to keep it longer, omit the garlic and just add it when ready to serve. Your spicy vinaigrette could last up to 3 weeks in the fridge without the fresh garlic.
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