Carottes Râpées (French Grated Carrot Salad)
Local name: Carottes râpées
In short: Fine shreds of raw carrot tossed in a lemon and mustard vinaigrette with parsley, the everyday salad of French homes and school canteens. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 160 kcal
Grated carrot salad is on almost every French lunch table, from school canteens to the neighborhood deli counter. Carrots are grated finely and tossed with a lemon and mustard vinaigrette, with a little parsley for freshness. It is quick, cheap and keeps well in the fridge, which makes it a good make-ahead side. Some families add raisins or orange juice, but the plain version is the classic.
Instructions
- Grate the carrots on the fine holes of a box grater or with the fine grating blade of a food processor. Place them in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper, then whisk in the olive oil until it thickens slightly.
- Pour the dressing over the carrots and toss well. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes so the carrots soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Stir in the parsley, taste and adjust the seasoning, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Grate the carrots finely and dress them soon after. Coarse shreds taste woody, and carrots grated far ahead lose their crunch.
- For a sweeter, kid-friendly version, add a handful of raisins and a splash of orange juice. A spoonful of ground almonds or toasted sunflower seeds adds richness and crunch.
Questions and answers
How long does carottes râpées keep?
Covered in the fridge it keeps for 3 days. The carrots release a little liquid, so drain and stir before serving.
Can I use a food processor to grate the carrots?
Yes. The fine grating disk gives the thin, even shreds this salad needs. Pat the carrots dry first so the shreds do not clump.
What do you serve with carottes râpées?
It is often served as a starter with fresh baguette, or alongside other raw vegetable salads, rice or grilled vegetables. It also works as a sandwich filling.
How long does it take to make Carottes Râpées (French Grated Carrot Salad)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Carottes Râpées (French Grated Carrot Salad)?
About 160 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 160 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
