Beetroot, Apple & Carrot Salad Recipe – Ginger & Honey Dressing

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Beetroot, Apple & Carrot Salad Recipe – Ginger & Honey Dressing

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this vibrant and refreshing salad with you. It’s a little burst of sunshine in a bowl, and honestly, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something light, healthy, and full of flavour. I first made this when I was looking for a way to sneak more veggies into my diet, and it quickly became a family favourite! It’s perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a colourful addition to a potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beetroot, Apple & Carrot Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make! It comes together in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of earthy beetroot, sweet apple, and crunchy carrots, tossed in a zingy ginger-honey dressing, is simply divine. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and is a feast for the eyes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful salad:

• 1 beetroot
• 1 apple
• 2 carrots
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 0.5 inch piece peeled ginger
• 1.5 teaspoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sliced almonds for topping
• Chia seeds for topping

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Choosing the right ones can really elevate this salad.

Beetroot Varieties & Selection

Beetroot comes in a few different colours – red, golden, and even striped! Red beetroot has a slightly earthier flavour, while golden beetroot is milder and sweeter. Feel free to use whichever you prefer, or even a mix for a beautiful presentation.

Apple Choices for Sweetness & Crunch

I love using a crisp, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the beetroot and honey. But Fuji or Gala apples work beautifully too if you prefer a sweeter flavour.

Carrot Types & Their Flavor Profiles

Regular orange carrots are perfect for this salad, but don’t shy away from trying rainbow carrots for a pop of colour! They all have a slightly different sweetness, so experiment and see what you like best.

The Benefits of Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger is key to this dressing. It adds a wonderful warmth and zing. Don’t be afraid to grate a little extra if you’re a ginger lover like me!

Olive Oil & Honey Quality

Using good quality olive oil and honey really makes a difference. A fruity olive oil and raw, unfiltered honey will add depth and complexity to the dressing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, peel the carrots, apple, and beetroot. Trim the edges from the carrots and beetroot – no need to be fancy!
2. Now, slice the apple into quarters and remove the core. Then, grate all the vegetables using a box grater or a food processor. It’s a little messy, but totally worth it!
3. Transfer the grated ingredients to a mixing bowl and add the chopped cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grate the fresh ginger directly into the bowl with the dressing. This releases all those lovely aromas!
6. Pour the dressing over the grated vegetables and cilantro. Toss everything thoroughly to combine all those amazing flavours.
7. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and top with sliced almonds and chia seeds.

Expert Tips

A few little things that can take this salad to the next level:

• Grate it all just before serving: This keeps everything nice and crunchy.
• Don’t overdress: You want the vegetables to be coated, not swimming in dressing.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the salt, pepper, and honey to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. It works beautifully!

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Chili)

My friend loves a little kick, so I sometimes add a pinch of red chili flakes to the dressing. It adds a lovely warmth.

Festival Adaptation (Adding Pomegranate Seeds for a Festive Touch)

For a festive touch, especially around Diwali or Christmas, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds over the salad. They add a beautiful colour and a burst of sweetness.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!

Serving Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty lentil soup. I often serve it as a side dish at barbecues and potlucks.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed immediately for optimal freshness and crunch. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the apple may brown slightly, and the salad will lose some of its crunch.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can grate the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. But I recommend making the dressing and tossing everything together just before serving.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger? Can I use ginger powder?

While fresh ginger is best, you can use about ¼ teaspoon of ginger powder in a pinch. It won’t have the same zing, but it will still add a nice flavour.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Absolutely! Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a little brown sugar will work well.

What other nuts can I use instead of almonds?

Walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds would be delicious alternatives.

Is this salad suitable for weight loss?

Yes! It’s packed with nutrients and fibre, and relatively low in calories. It’s a great healthy option.

How can I prevent the apple from browning?

Tossing the grated apple with a little lemon juice will help prevent it from browning.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this salad as much as I do. Let me know what you think in the comments below!