Raw Carrot and Coconut Salad with Cranberries

This fresh salad is a sweet, tangy and crunchy combination of carrots, coconut, cranberries, nuts and citrus, perfect for a nourishing side dish.

Looking for a refreshing and vibrant side dish that is a bit different? This salad is the perfect blend of crunch, sweetness and tang.

It is easy to make and a delicious addition to any meal or occasion, especially as a festive salad. However, if this salad isn’t for you, find other salad recipes here to whet your appetite.

What to expect: how does this salad taste?

This coconut salad has a sweet, tart and tangy flavour due to the combination of cranberries, lemon (or orange) and honey.

Plus, it has chomp, which is always the case with raw carrots. However, the shredded coconut and nuts add even more crunch to the salad.

It is a winning combination for a refreshingly zesty salad with a festive flair.

Why choose this salad recipe?

I first developed this recipe when I was following a raw food diet, which I no longer do.

Now, I don’t follow any diet and advocate for a non-diet and joyful approach to food. In my blog on raw food, I share why and how I healed my relationship with food.

Despite the claims of diet and lifestyle programs, there is no perfect way to eat or diet or food that will cure all that ails you.

However, I am all for nourishing, delicious foods—which this carrot salad definitely is. It is fresh, crunchy and packed with nutrition!

What you need to make this carrot salad

This recipe is made with grated carrot, coconut, cranberries, nuts, Parmesan and fresh herbs. However, you can substitute many of the ingredients, even the cranberries!

The ingredients you require and some substitutions for this salad are:

• Carrots: Fresh, raw carrots provide a crunchy texture and are rich in beta-carotene, fibre and antioxidants.
• Shredded Coconut: Provides a chewy texture and tropical flavour while complementing the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Dried cranberries: Adds a burst of sweetness and tartness, antioxidants and a chewy texture. If you don’t have or enjoy cranberries, you can substitute them with currants, sultanas or raisins.
• Walnuts: Offer a satisfying crunch, healthy fats, and a boost of protein and vitamin E. Depending on your preference, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans, slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds.
• Parmesan cheese: Gives the salad a light, umami flavour. It is optional. You could omit it entirely or add a little nutritional yeast for flavour if you eat dairy-free.
• Fresh parsley: Provides a contrast in colour to the salad and can be switched with your choice of mint, coriander or spring onion.

The salad ingredients are then combined with a citrus vinaigrette made with:

• Extra virgin olive oil: Binds the flavours together while providing heart-healthy fats.
• Honey or maple syrup: Enhances the overall sweetness of the slaw and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• Lemon (or orange juice): Adds acidity and flavour, giving this salad a tangy taste and increasing the juiciness of the carrots.
• Lemon (or orange zest): Adds additional zip to the salad.
• Salt and pepper: Balances the sweet and savoury components of the salad.

There you have it: a scrumptious carrot and coconut salad!

Simply combine the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad. Toss and serve.

What to serve with this carrot and cranberry salad

Enjoy this salad alongside roasted chicken or turkey, meatloaf or tempeh.

This salad has a festive flair. So it is a great side dish to serve at Christmas.

How to store this carrot salad for freshness

This salad will keep for about one week. Although the coconut will begin to yellow and soften, it will still be delicious.

Store the salad in an airtight container. This, along with the lemon juice, will prevent the carrot from turning brown or drying out.

Have you tried this recipe?

Let me know if you try this recipe.

Leave a comment below or share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #joyfuleatingmoment.

Looking for more festive salad recipes?

This salad is a delicious Christmas salad, as is my salad with green beans, toasted almonds and feta.

Making satisfying, tasty and nourishing salads is my passion. So, I will continue to share more salad recipes with you.