Citrus Roasted Carrot Ribbon Salad (Printable Version)

Tender roasted carrot ribbons meet zesty citrus dressing, fresh herbs, and crunchy seeds in this vibrant, refreshing salad.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 6 large carrots, peeled
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup baby arugula (rocket) leaves

→ Citrus Dressing

04 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
06 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnishes

11 - 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
13 - Zest of 1 orange

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, cut carrots into long, thin ribbons.
03 - Toss carrot ribbons and red onion slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 15–18 minutes, tossing halfway, until carrots are tender and edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
06 - Add roasted carrots and onions, arugula, and parsley to the bowl. Toss gently to coat.
07 - Transfer salad to a serving platter. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and orange zest. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted carrot ribbons become impossibly sweet while keeping a satisfying bite
  • That citrus dressing hits every bright, tangy note you didn't know you needed
  • It looks like something from a restaurant but comes together in under 45 minutes
02 -
  • Don't crowd your baking sheet or the carrots will steam instead of roast
  • Let them cool just 5 minutes before dressing, so they don't wilt the arugula completely
  • Work quickly once you start tossing, the contrast between warm and cold is part of the magic
03 -
  • Use the freshest citrus you can find, it makes or breaks the dressing's brightness
  • Don't overwhisk the dressing, small visible mustard bits add nice texture
  • Room temperature ingredients help the dressing emulsify more easily

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