Bursting with bright and refreshing flavors, this cranberry walnut carrot slaw with vinaigrette is a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. The sweetness of the carrots, tartness of cranberries, crunchiness of walnuts, and tangy citrus vinaigrette, all come together to create a symphony of textures and tastes.
Some of the ingredients might not be readily available in your kitchen. Dried cranberries and walnuts are two such components of this recipe. You can find them in the snack or baking aisle of your local grocery store. Italian parsley is another ingredient to watch out for; it's often located in the fresh produce section.
Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw with Vinaigrette
Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a slightly bitter taste. They're also a great source of healthy fats.
Carrots: Gives the slaw its sweet flavor and bulk. They're also packed with vitamins and fiber.
Olive oil: Used as a base for the vinaigrette, it adds richness to the slaw.
Lemon zest and juice: Creates a tangy, fresh flavor contrast to the sweetness of the carrots and cranberries.
Orange juice: Adds a burst of citrus flavor and helps to bind the vinaigrette.
Honey: Balances the tanginess of the citrus and adds a hint of sweetness.
Dried cranberries: Brings a tart and sweet element to the slaw, and adds a chewy texture.
Scallions: Gives a mild, sweet onion flavor.
Italian parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the slaw.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the slaw.
One reader, Courtenay Han says:
This cranberry walnut carrot slaw with vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and zesty vinaigrette is a burst of flavors. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw with Vinaigrette
How to toast walnuts: Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes until they are toasted and fragrant. Allow them to cool before using in the recipe.
How to make vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice, and honey until well combined. This will create a flavorful vinaigrette for the slaw.
How to season to taste: After refrigerating the slaw, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, honey, or citrus to achieve the desired flavor balance.
How To Make Carrot Slaw with Cranberries, Walnuts and Vinaigrette
Tangy vinaigrette, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tart cranberries makes this carrot slaw a mouthwatering, fully flavored side to any hearty meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupwalnuts,coarsely chopped
- 1lbcarrots,peeled and grated
- 3tbspextra virgin olive oil,or walnut oil
- 1tsplemon zest
- 2tbsplemon juice
- 3tbsporange juice,freshly squeezed
- 2tbsphoney
- ½cupdried cranberries
- 3scallions,white and green parts, thinly sliced
- 3tbspfresh Italian parsley,chopped
- ¼tspsalt,heaping
- ¼tspground black pepper
Instructions
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Set the oven rack to middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the walnuts on baking sheet.
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Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until toasted and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
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Combine all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss well.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Season to taste with salt, pepper, honey or more citrus.
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Toss in the walnuts, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 155.56kcal
- Fat: 7.37g
- Saturated Fat: 1.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.04g
- Carbohydrates: 24.02g
- Fiber: 3.11g
- Sugar: 17.15g
- Protein: 1.10g
- Sodium: 152.32mg
- Calcium: 37.49mg
- Potassium: 315.39mg
- Iron: 0.63mg
- Vitamin A: 643.81µg
- Vitamin C: 18.66mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting This Carrot Slaw Recipe
When toasting walnuts, keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. The moment they become fragrant, they are done. Over-toasting can result in a bitter taste which can affect the overall flavor of your cranberry walnut carrot slaw.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Slaw Recipe
Prep ahead: Grate the carrots and chop the parsley in advance to save time when assembling the slaw.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly grate the carrots, saving time and effort.
Multi-task: While the walnuts are toasting in the oven, prepare the vinaigrette and toss the other ingredients in a bowl to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Carrot Slaw with Cranberries, Walnuts and Vinaigrette Recipe
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great alternative to walnuts in this slaw recipe.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in the vinaigrette without altering the taste.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the slaw, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
dried cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries offer a slightly tart and sweet flavor, similar to cranberries, and can add a delightful contrast to the slaw.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for scallions to add a delicate onion-like taste to the slaw.
Italian parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and vibrant flavor, similar to parsley, and add a unique twist to the slaw's taste profile.
Presentation Tips for Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the cranberry walnut carrot slaw in a circular motion on a pristine white plate, ensuring each component is visible and appealing.
- Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a few extra toasted walnuts on top of the slaw for a delightful crunch and an elegant touch.
- Incorporate color contrast: Consider adding a few vibrant pomegranate arils to the slaw to create a visually stunning and appetizing dish.
- Utilize precision: Carefully drizzle the vinaigrette over the slaw using a squeeze bottle to create an artistic and professional presentation.
- Emphasize balance: Place a small microgreen salad on the side of the plate to add a pop of color and a fresh, delicate element to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making This Slaw Recipe
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for grating carrots, chopping nuts, and mixing vinaigrette for the slaw.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the grated carrots, vinaigrette, and other ingredients to create the slaw.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw
This carrot slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time, making it a great make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep.
If you find that the slaw has become a bit dry after storing, you can refresh it by tossing it with a little extra olive oil, lemon juice, or orange juice to taste.
To keep the walnuts crisp and crunchy, store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature and add them to the slaw just before serving.
While it is possible to freeze this carrot slaw, it's not recommended as the texture of the carrots and scallions may become soft and watery upon thawing. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
If you do need to freeze the slaw, place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw the slaw in the refrigerator overnight and drain off any excess liquid before giving it a quick toss and serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw
- To reheat leftover cranberry walnut carrot slaw, start by removing it from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors to meld together and the slaw to soften slightly.
- If you prefer your slaw to be slightly warm, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat the slaw, as this can cause the carrots to become mushy and the walnuts to lose their crunch.
- Another option is to heat the slaw in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet and stir the slaw occasionally until it is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. This method will help to crisp up the walnuts and give the slaw a slightly caramelized flavor.
- If you find that the slaw has become a bit dry after being stored in the refrigerator, you can add a small amount of orange juice or lemon juice to help moisten it and brighten up the flavors. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
- For a quick and easy option, you can simply enjoy the leftover slaw cold, straight from the refrigerator. The flavors will have had time to meld together and the slaw will be refreshing and crisp.
Interesting Fact About Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw
Cranberry walnut carrot slaw is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.
Is Making Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw at Home Cost-Effective?
This cranberry walnut carrot slaw with vinaigrette recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as carrots, walnuts, and citrus fruits, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of honey and dried cranberries may slightly increase the cost, but they are used in moderation. Overall, this recipe offers a healthy and flavorful dish at a reasonable price. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and quality. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12.
Is This Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw Healthy?
This cranberry walnut carrot slaw with vinaigrette recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that packs a healthy punch. The carrots provide a good source of beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, while the walnuts offer heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The use of honey as a natural sweetener and the inclusion of fresh herbs like parsley and scallions add depth to the dish without relying on processed ingredients.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be tweaked to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of honey to lower the overall sugar content. You can start by using just 1 tablespoon and adjusting to taste.
- Increase the proportion of carrots to dried cranberries to boost the vegetable content and minimize the added sugars from the dried fruit.
- Opt for a lighter dressing by reducing the olive oil and increasing the lemon and orange juice for a more citrusy, tangy flavor.
- Consider adding other nutrient-dense ingredients like shredded red cabbage, grated apples, or even a handful of fresh spinach leaves to enhance the vitamin and mineral profile of the slaw.
Editor's Opinion on This Cranberry Walnut Carrot Slaw Recipe
This cranberry walnut carrot slaw with vinaigrette recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the carrots and cranberries, the crunch of the walnuts, and the tangy vinaigrette create a harmonious dish. The addition of citrus adds a refreshing brightness, while the scallions and parsley provide a pop of freshness. It's a versatile and vibrant slaw that can stand alone as a side dish or complement a variety of main courses. The toasty walnuts add a lovely depth of flavor, making this slaw a perfect addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Carrot Slaw with Cranberries, Walnuts and Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Carrot Slaw with Cranberries, Walnuts and Vinaigrette Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any meal. The use of fresh carrots provides a vibrant and nutritious base, while the addition of walnuts offers a satisfying crunch and nutty richness. The cranberries add a touch of sweetness, balancing the dish beautifully. The vinaigrette, made with lemon juice, orange juice, and extra virgin olive oil, brings a refreshing and tangy element to the slaw. With the careful selection of ingredients and thoughtful balance of flavors, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
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