Carrot and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A refreshing salad featuring shredded carrots and toasted walnuts, tossed in a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium carrots, walnuts, olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice until emulsified. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 2: Peel and shred 2 medium carrots (about 2 cups) into a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the bowl.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the carrots and walnuts, then toss gently until evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Carrot and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Carrot and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Carrot and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Carrot and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Carrot and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
