Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your culinary experience with this game-changing Carrot Celery and Pecan Salad! Imagine a vibrant, crisp dish that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots, the fresh crunch of celery, and the rich, toasty flavor of pecans - all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just a salad; it's a flavor explosion that will become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, shredded
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the carrots thoroughly under cool running water, then peel them using a vegetable peeler. Grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor's shredding attachment to create fine, uniform shreds.
- Rinse the celery stalks and trim off the tough ends. Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a pleasant crunch to the salad.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, diced celery, and toasted pecans. Gently mix the ingredients to distribute them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined. This will create a creamy, tangy dressing for the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the carrot, celery, and pecan mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Texture is Key: Make sure to shred your carrots finely and dice your celery uniformly to create the perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Toasting Pecans: Don't skip the toasting step! This crucial technique brings out the pecans' deep, nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, well-incorporated dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
- Flavor Marination: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite more delicious.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest carrots and celery you can find to ensure maximum crispness and flavor.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 209kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
