Carrot, Chickpea and Raisin Salad

This 5-ingredient carrot salad with chickpeas, raisins, cilantro and almonds, tossed in a citrus ginger vinaigrette is perfect for any time of the year and for any meal.

It's light, refreshing and full of nutrition! Make a big batch and enjoy all week.

How to make carrot, chickpea and raisin salad

Featured Ingredients

For the citrus vinaigrette:

• Olive oil: The best oil for dressings is extra virgin olive oil.
  • Grab a good quality one for the best flavor.
• Fresh orange and lemon zest and juice: The zest contains a ton of flavor, as it contains the oils from the orange and lemon.
  • Use both the zest and the fresh juice for optional citrusy vibes.
• Ginger: Grate some fresh ginger to add a zing to this salad.
• Honey: For sweetness and balance.
• Champagne vinegar: When paired with fresh citrus, the vinegar brings in a nice zip.

For the salad:

• Carrots: Grab a bag of fresh carrots and peel and trim them. Then, use the food processor or a box grater to grate the carrots.
• Chickpeas: Canned, cooked chickpeas are perfect for this salad. Just rinse and drain 'em! They add texture and a ton of nutrition (both fiber and protein!).
• Raisins: Chewy, sweet raisins pair nicely with the chickpeas and carrots.
• Cilantro: For herby freshness.
• Almonds: For nutty flavor and crunch.
• Feta: It's optional, but I highly recommend it. It adds a briny taste to the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the dressing ingredients in a jar fitted with a lid and shake until well-combined.
2. Place the carrots, chickpeas, raisins, cilantro and almonds in a bowl.
3. Add the dressing and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
4. Top with feta right before serving, if desired.

Recipe Substitutions and Alterations

• For the citrus juice: You can use all orange or all lemon zest and juice.
• For the honey: Try granulated sugar instead. You just need a pinch to balance the dressing.
• For the champagne vinegar: White wine vinegar would also work.
• For the carrots: In a pinch, you could use bags of shredded carrots.
• For the cilantro: Leave it out if you don't like it. You could use parsley instead.
• For the almonds: Use pepitas instead.

Nutrition Considerations

• To make this gluten free: This recipe is gluten free. Be sure all packaged ingredients are gluten free.
• To make this dairy free: This recipe is dairy free; just don't add the feta.
• To make this vegan: Use granulated sugar instead of honey. Don't add the feta.
• To make this nut free: Skip the almonds. Be sure all other ingredients are nut free.
• To make this egg free: This recipe is egg free.

Fresh and fabulous salad recipes:

• Chinese Chicken Salad with Orange Ginger Sesame Dressing
• Healthy Broccoli Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing
• Kale & Crispy Chickpea Caesar Salad
• Greek Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
• Mediterranean Chickpea & Tuna Salad

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