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.
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.
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.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Combine the cooled cauliflower and carrots with the tahini dressing.
- Garnish with chopped chives.
- Serve and enjoy!
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!