Diced Beet and Carrot Salad with Tangy Mustard Dressing
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring diced beets and carrots, tossed in a zesty mustard vinaigrette that balances sweetness and acidity. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes beets
- 3 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes carrots
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 medium peeled and diced beets and 3 medium peeled and diced carrots into a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil for 10-12 minutes until tender but still firm, then drain and cool completely.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled beets and carrots with the mustard vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the salad and mix lightly before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Diced Beet and Carrot Salad with Tangy Mustard Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Diced Beet and Carrot Salad with Tangy Mustard Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Diced Beet and Carrot Salad with Tangy Mustard Dressing?
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 Diced Beet and Carrot Salad with Tangy Mustard Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Diced Beet and Carrot Salad with Tangy Mustard Dressing vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.