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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Raw Shredded Carrot Salad With Lemon

    Published: Jul 3, 2021 · Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

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    Long pin for homemade carrot salad
    A closeup of carrot salad in a white bowl with a sliced lemon on top.
    A closeup of carrot salad in a white bowl with a sliced lemon on top.

    Raw shredded carrot salad with lemon is the perfect light and healthy side dish. This simple recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and comes together in just minutes! Plus, it's loaded with nutrients and delicious flavors - you'll love it! Perfect as a side dish for BBQs and potlucks, or as meal prep for school and work lunches.

    PIN the recipe to try it later!

    Carrot salad served in a white serving bowl and topped with lemon wedges. this …

    This shredded carrot salad is one of my all-time favorite sides. The carrots are sweet and crunchy and pair perfectly with the tangy lemon juice. It's a great combination and nearly impossible to put your fork down.

    It's also super quick and easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

    This carrot salad is the perfect side dish for some of my favorite smoker recipes, such as Smoked Chuck Roast, Chili Lime Chicken, Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill, and Smoked Burgers.

    This cold carrot salad also goes with any meal, any time of the year, and is a perfect side dish to serve on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

    I also serve it with cozy comfort food like Classic Meatloaf or low-calorie mains like Tuna Patties and Air Fryer Tilapia.

    It goes with pretty much anything! It even tastes fantastic on its own! 🙂

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    Jump to:
    • More easy recipes
    • Why you will love this recipe
    • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    • How to make carrot salad
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • How to serve
    • Top Tips
    • More side dishes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you will love this recipe

    • This is an easy recipe that only takes 5 minutes to make.
    • It is one of the healthiest side dishes, as carrots are loaded with nutrients.
    • It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
    • This grated carrot salad is made with natural ingredients and tastes fantastic! It is so light and refreshing. You will love the simple combo of a shredded carrot with tangy lemon juice.
    • It goes with anything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. It has the perfect amount of crunch.
    • It is a great side, or can be used as a cold veggie salad in lunches. It is also perfect for meal prep because it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. I love it served right after it's made and after it's been sitting in the juice for a few days. Either way, it's delicious!

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    Only three simple ingredients are needed for this raw carrot salad recipe.

    Ingredients for carrot salad on a cutting board, freshly grated carrots, lemon juice, and cane sugar
    • Raw Carrots. (Obviously 😊) Choose the best, freshest carrots you can, preferably organic carrots. We grow enough carrots in our garden to last the entire year. We store them in our root cellar in a bin with sand which keeps them fresh and crisp.
    • Lemon juice. You can use fresh or bottled lemon juice for this salad.
    • Cane sugar. I used cane sugar, but feel free to use white sugar, coconut sugar, or your favorite sweetener. Honey would also be a good substitute, but my daughter is allergic, so we never use it. Adjust the sugar to taste.

    How to make carrot salad

    For exact measurements of ingredients and detailed instructions, see the recipe card below.

    I'm not kidding when I say this salad is super easy to make.

    First, wash and peel your carrots with a vegetable peeler. Then shred them in your food processor using the shredding blade. You can also use the grating attachment on your KitchenAid mixer or use a box grater and grate them. I used a food processor; it shreds them in about 1 minute. 😊

    If grating the carrots by hand, use the large holes of a box grater, not the small holes.

    Freshly shredded carrots in the food processor

    Next, place shredded carrot or grated carrot in a large bowl, and add sugar.

    Add cane sugar to freshly grated carrots in a white bowl

    Next, add lemon juice.

    Add lemon juice to cane sugar and shredded carrots in white bowl

    Toss well until the shredded carrots are covered in lemon juice.

    Use a spoon to mix lemon juice, cane sugar, and shredded carrots well

    Transfer to a serving bowl.

    Cover with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and place the salad in the fridge until ready to serve.

    Stir before serving.

    Enjoy!

    Freshly made carrot salad served in white bowls with wedges of real lemon

    Variations

    There are so many variations for this simple salad. Some fun ones to try are:

    • If you want a bit of crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds.
    • For a bit of color, add chopped green onions, fresh dill, fresh parsley, or fresh cilantro.
    • For a bit more sweetness, add in raisins or dried cranberries.
    • Make a more robust salad by adding shredded cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
    • Try using different dressings or top with feta cheese.
    • For a different flavor, use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
    • For a Hawaiian flavor, mix shredded carrots with pineapple juice instead of lemon juice, and add fresh diced pineapple.
    • Make a Moroccan raw carrot salad by adding extra virgin olive oil, chickpeas, raisins, slivered almonds, chopped garlic, ground cumin, and black pepper.

    Equipment

    To make this delicious salad, you will need:

    • Vegetable peeler.
    • Either a box grater or a food processor
    • A large mixing bowl
    • Tongs for mixing, or a wooden spoon

    Storage

    To store this raw carrot salad so it will stay fresh and crispy, place it in an airtight container. Then, place the salad in the fridge for up to 4 days. Mix before serving.

    This salad does not freeze well.

    How to serve

    This tasty side dish goes well alongside any grilled or barbecued meat, sandwiches, or by itself. It keeps well in a cooler, is perfect for potlucks, and tastes great in school and work lunches. I make a big bowl of this salad and serve it in lunches for the entire week.

    Freshly made shredded carrot salad served in 2 small bowls with lemon wedges, with a large serving bowl of carrot salad in the background

    Top Tips

    • Use a food processor to shred the carrots. This will save you time and ensure that the carrots are evenly shredded.
    • Go easy on the sweetener. Carrots are naturally sweet vegetables, and some varieties of carrots are sweeter. Our carrots are pretty sweet, so I don't need to add much sweetener. Instead, taste as you go; you can always add more sugar later if needed.
    • Toss everything together until evenly mixed, then taste and adjust the sweetener as necessary.
    • Let the carrot salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
    • When you are ready to serve, give it a quick stir, making sure to grab some yummy juice that has moved to the bottom of the bowl and add it on top.
    Homemade cold carrot salad served in 2 small serving dishes and 1 large serving bowl, all served with lemon wedges

    More side dishes

    • Easy Coleslaw Recipe
    • Easy Baked Beans
    • Extra Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
    • Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
    • Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

    If you've tried this Raw Shredded Carrot Salad With Lemon, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!

    You can also Follow Me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Please tag me in your photos at @windingcreek_ranch. I would love to see your pictures!

    📋 Recipe

    Carrot salad served in a white serving bowl and topped with lemon wedges.

    Raw Shredded Carrot Salad With Lemon

    Raw shredded carrot salad with lemon is the perfect light and healthy side dish. This simple recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and comes together in just minutes! Plus, it's loaded with nutrients and delicious flavors - you'll love it! Perfect as a side dish for BBQs and potlucks, or as meal prep for school and work lunches.
    5 from 82 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: All Recipes, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 73kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • A food processor; or
    • A box grater
    • Large bowl
    • Spoon for mixing and serving

    Ingredients

    • 5 cups raw carrots shredded or grated
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • ⅓ cup lemon juice fresh or bottled

    Instructions

    • First, wash and peel your carrots. Shred them in a food processor, or use a box grater to grate them.
    • Place shredded carrot in a large bowl. Add sugar and lemon juice. Toss well until the shredded carrots are covered in lemon juice. Taste and adjust the sweetener as necessary.
    • Cover the carrot salad with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to serve. Stir before serving.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Storage:  
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    Top Tips:
    • Use a food processor to shred the carrots. This will save you time and ensure that the carrots are evenly shredded.
    • Go easy on the sweetener. Carrots are naturally sweet vegetables, and some varieties of carrots are sweeter. Taste as you go; you can always add more sugar later if needed.
    • Toss everything together until evenly mixed, then taste and adjust the sweetener as necessary.
    • Let the carrot salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld together.
    • When you are ready to serve, give it a quick stir, making sure to grab some yummy juice that has moved to the bottom of the bowl and add it on top.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 13365IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do you keep grated carrots from turning brown?

    Exposing the grated carrots to air is what can cause them to turn brown. However, because these carrots are tossed in lemon juice, they won't turn brown. Also, keep plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid on the carrot salad.

    How do you shred carrots for a salad?

    The easiest method is to use a food processor. If you don't have one, use a box grater. Place the grater on a cutting board and, using a downward motion, move the carrot from the top of the grater to the bottom. Repeat this motion until 1-2 inches of carrot remain. Keep your fingers out of the way!

    How many carrots equal a cup?

    It takes about 1.25-1.5 large carrots or 2.5-2.75 medium carrots to make 1 cup of grated carrots. I used seven large carrots for this recipe to get 5 cups of shredded carrots.

    What are the health benefits of carrots?

    Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune function. They also improve your thyroid health, help to prevent migraines, and support liver health. Raw carrot fiber also improves metabolic rate, which can help with weight management due to its low calorie and high nutrient density. They also help regulate blood pressure and maintain normal heart function. In addition, carrots contain antioxidants that help to protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. Raw carrots also can help to balance hormones and prevent excess estrogen accumulation. This is due to carrots' special fiber that helps bind estrogen and remove it from the body. In summary, carrots are whole food, meaning they contain all the nutrients needed for good health.

    More Side Dishes

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      Easy Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta and Honey Glaze
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      Fruit Salad with Cool Whip and Pudding
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      Easy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lexa

      August 30, 2022 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      We love this salad. I’ve made it at least 5 times this year for dinner and it’s always delicious! My husband keeps asking me to make it again!

      Reply
    2. Joanna

      November 14, 2021 at 12:42 am

      5 stars
      I remember a similar dish from my childhood in Poland. It is delicious and I must start making it again! Eating raw veggies is such a great way to keep your gut healthy. And do yummy!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        November 17, 2021 at 7:08 pm

        This is such an easy recipe to make, enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Anaiah

      August 04, 2021 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      Love easy salads like this one! The lemon in this carrot salad gives it a nice tart flavor and the sugar added a nice hint of sweetness. It's the perfect recipe to make when I'm short on time and makes the perfect side dish for dinner.

      Reply
    4. Addie

      August 04, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely a new favorite for us! So fresh!

      Reply
    5. Kayla DiMaggio

      August 04, 2021 at 12:06 pm

      5 stars
      This carrot salad was so fun to make! I loved the simple flavors! Sometimes simple is truly the best!

      Reply
    6. Jeannie

      August 04, 2021 at 7:06 am

      5 stars
      I love carrots because they are super healthy, never had a carrot salad before and will add this to my side dish next time.

      Reply
    7. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

      July 11, 2021 at 3:50 am

      5 stars
      Gosh, mom used to make this salad for us when we were kids! It really brings back memories... Besides, it is so easy to make and so yummy. I have to make it and check if it has the same taste I remember from long ago!

      Reply
    8. Linda

      July 06, 2021 at 12:20 am

      5 stars
      This carrot salad is so refreshingly good! Love the combo flavors of sweet and tangy in one bite

      Reply
      • Freya

        July 11, 2021 at 2:52 am

        5 stars
        I have a bunch of carrots them from the local farm shop that I have no idea what to do with: this is perfect!

        Reply
    9. Raquel

      July 05, 2021 at 9:28 am

      5 stars
      What a great summer salad idea! Love that it is just a few ingredients too!

      Reply
    10. Julia

      July 05, 2021 at 2:00 am

      5 stars
      Carrots make such a bright and colourful addition to a salad. I love this idea, thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    11. Millie Mae

      July 05, 2021 at 1:04 am

      5 stars
      Well it sure is my new favorite side dish! Thanks for sharing this!

      Reply
    12. Jeannie

      July 04, 2021 at 11:47 pm

      5 stars
      I just got a pack of fresh carrots now I know what to do with them, I'm always up with easy and quick recipes.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    I'm a passionate home cook who loves creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families! My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most-- family!

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