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This crunchy grated carrot salad is one of those simple recipes I come back to again and again. It’s bright, fresh, and incredibly nourishing—perfect as a quick snack or a vibrant side when your meals need a little lift.

I created this for my 21-Day Cleanse because it’s an easy way to boost fiber and give you steady energy in the middle of the day. The natural sweetness of carrots paired with citrus makes it feel light and refreshing, while still being satisfying.

easy grated carrot salad

What's in this post

What is a Carrot Salad?

A carrot salad is a fresh, crunchy dish made with raw shredded carrots and a simple dressing. The most common version is light and citrusy (like a French carrot salad), while others are creamy with mayo.

What makes this carrot salad recipe special is the balance. Instead of weighing it down with mayo or heavy ingredients, it leans on whole, plant-based foods to create texture and satisfaction. The raw sunflower seeds add a subtle crunch and a boost of protein and healthy fats, while the lemon and orange juice bring a clean, zesty finish that keeps you coming back for another bite.

It's free!Bowl of creamy vegetable soup with potatoes, carrots and fresh herbs

5 Days of Recipes

Jen’s Soup Challenge

I’d love for you to soup it up with me! For 5 days, I’ll send you veggie-packed soups that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and makes enough to freeze and pull out all winter.

grating vegetables for a healthy snack

Carrot Salad Tips

  • If you can, grate whole carrots yourself. It takes a few extra minutes, yet the flavor and texture are noticeably better than pre-shredded.
  • Taste as you go. Citrus can vary, so adjust the lemon or orange to get that perfect balance of bright and fresh.
  • If you want to make it more filling, add chickpeas or extra sunflower seeds. That little boost turns it into a more satisfying snack. I did that in my Marinated Celery Salad and readers loved it!
  • For deeper flavor, lightly toast the sunflower seeds before adding them. It’s a small step that makes a big difference. Use extras in my Upgraded Green Goddess Salad.
  • And if you want to lean into a more classic French-style carrot salad, try adding a bit of fresh fruit like apples or raisins.

Serving Suggestion

This carrot salad isn’t meant to be the main event—and that’s the beauty of it. It’s a supportive recipe. One you can prep ahead, portion into small containers, and grab when you need something quick that still aligns with your goals. It’s especially handy during a busy week, when having nourishing options ready can make all the difference.

More Healthy Carrot Recipes

If you love this grated carrot salad, use the rest of the bag in your fridge or pull some more from the garden to use in these recipes:

If you make this carrot salad, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Little recipes like this may seem simple, yet they’re often the ones that help you stay consistent—and that’s where the real transformation happens.

Common Questions

Can I use pre-shredded carrots instead of grating my own?

Yes, you can save time with pre-shredded carrots. Just know freshly grated carrots have a sweeter flavor and softer texture, which makes the salad taste even better.

What can I use instead of cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing (or tastes like soap), swap it with fresh parsley. It still gives a bright, fresh flavor without overpowering the salad.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add chickpeas, extra sunflower seeds, or even hemp hearts. These boost protein and healthy fats, helping you stay full longer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. For best texture, add the dressing right before serving or refresh it with a squeeze of lemon.

Recipe Card

Citrus Carrot Salad

Jen Hansard
4.2 (195)
This carrot salad tosses freshly shredded carrots, cilantro and toasted sunflower seeds in a quick orange and lemon dressing with olive oil. No mayo, eight simple ingredients and 10 minutes for a bright, crunchy side.
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Plate of citrus carrot salad topped with fresh herbs
Serves2
Serving size2 cups
Prep10 minutes
Total time10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup cilantro stems removed and chopped
  • ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
  • dash black pepper, ground
  • dash sea salt, unrefined

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp orange juiced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juiced
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions 

  • Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice and olive oil and set aside.
  • Combine the carrots, cilantro and sunflower seeds on a plate.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Equipment

2-in-1 citrus squeezer
Set of four gold-handled whisks on a black grill pan for cooking.
stainless whisk set
Set of gold measuring cups with white powder on marble surface.
Le Creuset measuring cups
Set of gold measuring spoons on a white surface for cooking and baking.
Le Creuset spoons

Recipe Notes

  • Prep Tip: Shred whole carrots yourself if you can; they’re juicier and sweeter than pre-shredded bagged carrots. A box grater or food processor makes quick work of it.
  • Texture Tip: Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely, as they burn quickly.
  • Herb Swaps: Use the same amount of parsley, mint or dill in place of the cilantro; our guide to fresh herbs has more ideas.
  • Make Ahead: This salad improves as it sits, so let it rest in the dressing for 15 to 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping the sunflower seeds separate so they stay crisp.

Nutrition

Calories286 kcal
Carbs19 g
Protein5 g
Fat23 g
Fiber6 g

Saturated Fat: 3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13 g | Sodium: 91 mg | Potassium: 575 mg | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 21564 IU | Vitamin C: 24 mg | Calcium: 67 mg | Iron: 1 mg