This vibrant salad combines the crunch of finely chopped carrots, the juicy burst of pomegranate arils, the tangy flavor of pickled red onions, the creamy goodness of feta cheese, and the fresh taste of dill, all brought together with a zesty lemon sumac vinaigrette.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a light meal, this salad is perfect for any occasion.
Let’s dive into the details and see how you can recreate this delicious salad at home.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups finely chopped carrots (5-6 carrots)
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup chopped pickled red onion (recipe on our website, link in bio)
- ½ cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- ¼ cup dill, finely chopped
- Pita chips for topping
For the Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Carrots
Start by chopping the carrots into 1 ½-inch pieces.
This makes it easier to process them in the food processor.
Place the carrot pieces in a food processor and pulse 8-10 times until they are finely chopped.
Be careful not to over-process; you want the carrots to retain some crunch to add texture to the salad.
Step 2: Making the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons honey, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon sumac, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Mix until well combined.
This vinaigrette is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and slightly earthy flavors that will enhance the salad’s taste.
Step 3: Combining the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped carrots, ¾ cup pomegranate arils, ½ cup chopped pickled red onion, ½ cup cubed or crumbled feta cheese, and ¼ cup finely chopped dill.
The mix of colors and textures will make the salad look as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Tossing with Vinaigrette
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing.
This step is crucial as it ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serving the Salad
Serve the salad with pita chips for dipping, or top the salad with crumbled pita chips just before serving.
The crunch of the pita chips adds an extra layer of texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Pickled Red Onion: If you’re short on time or prefer a milder onion flavor, you can use store-bought pickled red onions. However, making your own pickled onions can add a personal touch and allow you to control the flavor. Check out our website for a simple pickled red onion recipe.
- Vinaigrette Variations: Feel free to experiment with the vinaigrette. Adding a bit of garlic or swapping out the lemon juice for apple cider vinegar can create a different but equally delicious dressing.
- Pomegranate Substitutes: If pomegranates are not in season or available, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or fresh blueberries. Each offers a unique twist while maintaining the salad’s overall flavor profile.
- Herbs: While dill adds a distinctive flavor, you can also try other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for a different taste experience.
Nutritional Benefits
This Chopped Carrot Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants, making them excellent for eye health and overall wellness.
Pomegranate arils add a dose of vitamin C, potassium, and other antioxidants, contributing to heart health and reducing inflammation.
Feta cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein, while dill offers additional vitamins and a unique flavor.
The vinaigrette, made with olive oil, provides healthy fats that are essential for absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins in the salad.
Perfect Pairings
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy meal.
It also works well as part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired spread, with dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel.