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Zesty Carrot Dressing

Zesty Carrot Dressing
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Zesty Carrot Dressing is a bright, flavorful, and versatile homemade dressing made from fresh carrots, tangy lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of spice. Perfect for salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, or as a dip, this dressing offers a lively flavor profile with natural sweetness, zest, and a touch of warmth. It is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and fresh produce, adaptable for various dietary preferences, and keeps well in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 medium fresh carrots, washed, peeled, and roughly chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

Seasonings and Oil

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the carrots: Wash, peel, and roughly chop about two medium carrots to prepare them for blending. Fresh carrots ensure a naturally sweet base, so this step is key.
  2. Combine the ingredients: Add the chopped carrots, one minced garlic clove, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup into a blender or food processor.
  3. Blend until smooth: Pour in about 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle in ground cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency with no noticeable chunks.
  4. Adjust seasoning: Give it a taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten flavors, or more red pepper flakes for additional spice. Blend again briefly to combine any added ingredients.
  5. Chill and serve: Transfer the dressing to a jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully with a little chill time.

Notes

  • Use fresh carrots for the best natural sweetness and texture.
  • Gently warming olive oil before blending can help merge flavors more seamlessly.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, which provide the signature zesty tang.
  • A high-speed blender works best to achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy dressing.
  • Add red pepper flakes gradually to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; stir before serving to recombine.
  • Freezing is possible but may change texture; thaw in fridge overnight and whisk well before use.
  • This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature; if too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot dressing, zesty dressing, healthy dressing, vegan dressing, salad dressing, homemade dressing, gluten free, dairy free

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/zesty-carrot-dressing/