This French carrot salad recipe proves that French cooking can be simple, flavorful, and fast! I first tried an authentic French version when we were on our honeymoon in France — and I’ve tried to recreate it at home. Like my cucumber tomato avocado salad or three bean salad (but with very different veggies), it combines fresh herbs and veggies with a quick lemon dressing. And it’s so easy to pair with all your favorite meats and mains!
What Is French Carrot Salad?
This dish, known in France as salade de carottes râpées, is not like typical southern American carrot salad recipes with mayonnaise and raisins. Rather, it blends finely grated carrots with fresh herbs and a bright lemon Dijon vinaigrette. It’s common to find this side dish everywhere from restaurant menus to supermarkets in France.
Ingredient & Substitution Notes
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for French grated carrot salad, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Carrots – Grate carrots fresh to a fine consistency for this dish — pre-shredded ones still work, but the texture is not as good. You can use a food processor with a grate attachment, large holes of a box grater, or the grating attachment for a stand mixer to get the correct consistency in your vegetables.Olive Oil – Remember, this is one of those carrot salad recipes without mayonnaise! Olive oil makes up the bulk of the salad dressing instead, so use a high quality extra virgin variety. Some of the oil will also help toast the pine nuts.Lemon Juice – For the best, brightest flavor, use fresh squeezed juice. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but the flavor is not as good. White or red wine vinegar would make a good substitute.Whole Grain Mustard – You might also see it called old style mustard — it’s the kind with large granules. You can also use Dijon mustard for a smoother texture in your dressing, but the whole grain kind is a classic for French carrot salad.Pine Nuts – For extra texture and crunch. You can easily swap these with sunflower seeds or pistachios, if desired.Fresh Parsley – For a little extra zing, you could add or substitute green onions or chives.Sea Salt & Black Pepper – To season all the fresh vegetables.
How To Make French Carrot Salad
This section shows how to make carrot salad French, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Add spices – Although delicious in its simplicity, you can add even more flavor with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin in addition to salt and pepper.Make it sweeter – Add in up to 1/2 cup raisins or 1-3 teaspoons of your favorite conventional or sugar-free sweetener, or replace the dressing with sugar-free honey mustard dressing.Add cheese – Consider crumbled feta or blue cheese sprinkled into this salad.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.Meal prep: Make dressing, toast pine nuts, and shred carrots. Store components separately until ready to assemble and serve.Freeze: Like most salads, freezing carrot salad recipes is not recommended, as the textures will change too much.
What To Serve With Carrot Salad Recipes
Serve recipes for carrot salad with a simple French main for an easy and comforting meal! Try it with these recipes: Since they can burn easily, keep a close watch over the pan while they toast.
More French Inspired Side Dish Recipes
Once you master this easy carrot salad recipe, see how easy French style cooking can be with these simple sides: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
