Description
This vibrant salad features roasted carrots tossed in a homemade orange vinaigrette, paired with crisp greens, dried cranberries, and parmesan crisps. The combination of roasted vegetables with a zesty vinaigrette makes this salad a perfect balance of sweetness, earthiness, and tanginess. It’s an ideal dish for both casual meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 5 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Juice of ½ navel orange
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 head butter lettuce or mixed greens
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- ½ cup parmesan crisps (store-bought or homemade)
For the Orange Vinaigrette:
- 2 tbsp orange juice (from remaining half)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- Pinch of allspice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Roast the Carrots: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss carrots with olive oil and salt. Roast for 30 minutes until tender. Add orange juice and maple syrup to the pan, stir to coat, and roast 5 more minutes until caramelized.
- Make the Vinaigrette: Combine orange juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, allspice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer greens, cranberries, parmesan crisps, and cooled roasted carrots. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
Notes
This roasted carrot salad is vibrant, refreshing, and full of natural sweetness balanced with a zesty orange vinaigrette. It makes a beautiful side dish for dinner parties or can be enjoyed as a light, healthy lunch. For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting & Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: None
Keywords: Roasted Carrot Salad, Orange Vinaigrette Salad, Carrot Orange Salad