Carrot & Orange Salad Recipe – Chaat Masala Indian Fusion

Last Updated on 5 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot & Orange Salad Recipe – Chaat Masala Indian Fusion

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this vibrant and flavourful salad with you. It’s a little bit of sunshine on a plate, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a go-to for me when I want something light, refreshing, and packed with flavour. I first made this for a summer picnic, and it was a huge hit – everyone kept asking for the recipe! It’s a beautiful blend of Indian spices with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Carrot & Orange Salad isn’t just another salad. It’s a delightful fusion of Indian and Western flavours, thanks to the magic of chaat masala. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly refreshing, and offers a wonderful textural contrast between the crunchy carrots, juicy oranges, and soft, sweet dates. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to be vegan! It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 250g coloured carrots
• 1-1.5 tsp chaat masala
• A pinch of salt
• 5-6 dates
• 2 oranges
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about the stars of the show! Getting the ingredients right makes all the difference.

Coloured Carrots: Varieties & Benefits

Don’t just reach for the regular orange carrots! Coloured carrots – purple, yellow, red – not only look stunning but also offer a range of different nutrients. I love using a mix for visual appeal. 250g is about 2 medium-sized carrots, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.

Chaat Masala: The Flavour of India

Chaat masala is the flavour of India! It’s a tangy, spicy, and slightly fruity spice blend that adds a wonderful complexity to this salad. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores, or online. 1-1.5 tsp gives a lovely kick, but adjust to your taste.

Dates: Choosing the Right Kind

Medjool dates are my favourite for this recipe because they’re soft and caramel-like. However, any soft, plump dates will work well. Avoid dates that are too dry or hard.

Olive Oil: Quality & Flavour Profile

A good quality extra virgin olive oil really shines in the dressing. Look for one with a fruity and slightly peppery flavour. 2 tablespoons will give the dressing a lovely richness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

First, shave those carrots into thin slivers using a mandolin slicer. If you don’t have a mandolin, you can use a vegetable peeler or finely grate them. Add the chaat masala and give them a gentle massage – this helps release their flavour. Taste and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed.

Now, cover the carrots with cling film and let them rest at room temperature for about an hour. This softens them up beautifully. While the carrots are resting, chop the dates and pan-fry them over medium heat until they’re softened and caramelized. This takes about 5-7 minutes.

Next, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice to create the dressing. It should be nice and emulsified.

Time to assemble! Arrange the softened carrots on a plate. Top with segments of orange and the caramelized dates. Drizzle generously with the dressing.

Finally, chill the salad for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Just before serving, garnish with fresh coriander. It adds a lovely freshness!

Expert Tips

• Mandolin Safety: Be extremely careful when using a mandolin slicer. Always use the handguard!
• Carrot Softening: Don’t skip the resting time for the carrots. It really makes a difference in the texture.
• Date Caramelization: Keep a close eye on the dates while caramelizing – they can burn quickly.

Variations

This salad is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already almost vegan! Just ensure your chaat masala doesn’t contain any hidden animal products (some brands do).

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Good news! This salad is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment

If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 tsp of chaat masala and add more to taste. You can also add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. My friend, Priya, loves adding a little green chilli for heat!

Summer Salad Variation

In the summer, I love adding a handful of chopped cucumber and a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds for extra freshness.

Festival Adaptation: Navratri/Fasting Friendly

During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can omit the dates and use a little grated coconut instead for sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile.

• It’s fantastic as a light lunch on its own.
• It makes a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
• It pairs beautifully with Indian meals like biryani or tandoori dishes.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The carrots may lose some of their crunch, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions.

What type of carrots work best for this salad?

Coloured carrots are ideal for both flavour and visual appeal, but regular orange carrots work just fine too!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the carrots and dates ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.

What can I substitute for dates if I don’t have any?

You can use raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped figs as a substitute for dates.

Is chaat masala spicy? Can I adjust the amount?

Chaat masala has a mild spice level, but it’s more tangy and flavourful than fiery hot. Yes, absolutely adjust the amount to your liking!

Can this salad be served as a side dish for a larger Indian meal?

Definitely! It’s a fantastic counterpoint to richer, spicier Indian dishes. It provides a refreshing and light element to the meal.