Cauliflower & Carrot Salad with Tahini Dressing: Healthy & Refreshing!

Craving a vibrant, healthy, and surprisingly satisfying salad? Look no further than this Cauliflower & Carrot Salad with a creamy tahini dressing! This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or even a refreshing appetizer. The combination of crunchy cauliflower florets, sweet carrots, and a nutty, tangy tahini dressing creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It's also incredibly versatile; feel free to add your favorite herbs, nuts, or seeds to customize the salad to your liking. This recipe is packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Beyond its deliciousness, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and readily available ingredients. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy preparation times; this one is quick, simple, and delivers maximum flavor. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pot
  • Ice bath bowl

Ingredients

  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower (half)
  • Salt: 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic: 3 cloves
  • Tahini
  • Lemon juice
  • Pepper
  • Chives
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables

  • Peel carrots, chop both ends, and slice them in half. Then, slice them into quarter-inch thick pieces on an angle.
  • Separate the cauliflower florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Peel carrots, chop both ends, and slice them in half. Then, slice them into quarter-inch thick pieces on an angle.Separate the cauliflower florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables

Step 2. Blanch and Cool the Vegetables

  • Boil water in a pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the carrots.
  • Once the carrots are halfway cooked, add the cauliflower. Cook until tender (about a minute or a minute and a half).
  • Immediately transfer the cooked vegetables to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Boil water in a pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the carrots.Once the carrots are halfway cooked, add the cauliflower. Cook until tender (about a minute or a minute and a half).Immediately transfer the cooked vegetables to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Blanch and Cool the Vegetables

Step 3. Make the Tahini Dressing

  • Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
  • In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and ice water. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Mince 3 cloves of garlic.Prepare the tahini dressing: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and ice water. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Make the Tahini Dressing

Step 4. Assemble and Serve

  • Combine the cooled cauliflower and carrots with the tahini dressing.
  • Garnish with chopped chives.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Combine the cooled cauliflower and carrots with the tahini dressing.Garnish with chopped chives.Serve and enjoy!
Assemble and Serve

Read more: Zaalouk Recipe: Easy Moroccan Eggplant Dip or Salad

Tips

  • Always prepare an ice bath for blanched vegetables to maintain their bright color and crispness.
  • Adjust the amount of water in the tahini dressing to reach your preferred thickness.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It's even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. What can I substitute for tahini?

A creamy peanut butter or even a lemon vinaigrette can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be different.

3. Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, or crumbled feta cheese would be delicious additions.


This Cauliflower & Carrot Salad with Tahini Dressing is a simple yet satisfying recipe that's perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients make it a delicious and nutritious choice for a quick meal or side dish. Enjoy this refreshing salad and let us know what you think!