Roasted Carrot Ribbon Salad (Printable Version)

Oven-roasted carrot ribbons over fresh greens with honey-mustard vinaigrette. Vibrant, elegant, and perfectly balanced.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 5 large carrots, peeled
02 - 5 oz mixed salad greens such as arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix
03 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, optional

→ Vinaigrette

05 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 1/2 tbsp honey
07 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

11 - 2 oz crumbled feta cheese, optional
12 - Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, optional

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler, slice peeled carrots lengthwise into long, thin ribbons.
03 - Toss carrot ribbons with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized at edges. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
05 - Whisk together remaining olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until combined.
06 - In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens and red onion. Drizzle with half the vinaigrette and toss gently.
07 - Arrange roasted carrot ribbons over the greens. Sprinkle with nuts and feta cheese if using.
08 - Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm, sweet roasted carrots and crisp fresh greens creates something magical in every bite
  • People who swear they dislike raw carrots often change their minds after trying this version
  • It looks stunning on the plate but comes together in under 40 minutes with almost no active work
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet or the carrots will steam instead of roast, losing that precious caramelization
  • The salad tastes best when the carrots are still slightly warm, creating that beautiful temperature contrast
  • You can roast the carrots up to 2 hours ahead, but don't dress the greens until just before serving
03 -
  • Use the fattest carrots you can find, they'll yield longer ribbons that are easier to handle and more impressive to serve
  • Save any carrot cores for vegetable stock or roast them alongside the ribbons for snacking
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