Ingredients
For the Carrot Salad
- 2.2 lbs (1000 grams) carrots, julienned
Spices & Seasoning
- 3–4 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp kosher salt (use less if using table salt)
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp ground coriander seeds
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed
Aromatics & Oil
- 2/3 cup light olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 large onion, diced
Instructions
- Julienne the carrots: Peel and julienne 2.2 lbs of carrots, either with a julienne slicer or by hand using a large chef’s knife. To julienne by hand, cut each carrot into 4-inch slices, about 1/8-inch thick, then slice those into thin, long strips. Place all the julienned carrots in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine spices and aromatics: Pile the following on top of the carrots: 3-4 Tbsp white vinegar, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp ground coriander seeds, 1 tsp black pepper. Top with the pressed or minced garlic (5 cloves).
- Prepare infused oil: In a skillet, heat 2/3 cup olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Sauté the onion, stirring often, until it develops a golden color. Using a slotted spoon, remove the onion and reserve it for another use or discard it.
- Pour hot oil: Reheat the remaining oil until almost smoking. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of the hot oil directly over the spice-garlic mixture in the carrot bowl. This step releases the flavors of the spices and garlic into the salad. Discard any remaining oil or reserve it for a different recipe.
- Toss and marinate: Using two large forks or gloved hands, toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sugar, vinegar, or cayenne to preference.
- Chill: Transfer the salad to a glass or metal container with a tight-fitting lid. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 6-12 hours before serving. However, it can be enjoyed immediately if pressed for time.
Notes
- The longer the salad marinates, the more flavorful it becomes—aim for at least 6 hours in the fridge.
- For even more heat, increase the cayenne pepper, or add some sliced fresh chili.
- The onions used to flavor the oil can be reserved for another salad, eggs, or discarded.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it excellent for meal prep.
- Use gloves when mixing if your hands are sensitive to spicy ingredients and vinegar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 125g)
- Calories: 189
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 669mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg