German Carrot Salad (Karottensalat)

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If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that perfectly balances sweetness, crunch, and a touch of zest, this German Carrot Salad recipe is a must-try! This simple, flavorful and vibrantly colorful salad combines the natural sweetness of fresh carrots and corn with a sweet and tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s light and refreshing and makes a perfect starter salad or side dish with your favorite proteins.

German cuisine is often associated with hearty dishes but it also boasts an array of refreshing salads that highlight fresh, seasonal produce like Bohnensalat (green bean salad), Creamy German Cucumber Salad, vinaigrette-based German Cucumber Salad, German Tomato Salad, and of course the quintessential German Potato Salad. Other salads features vegetables like fresh asparagus, radishes, beets and cabbage. A favorite in Germany and one that you’ll find included in most every Gemischter Salat (mixed salad) in German restaurants is carrot salad, known as Karottensalat or Möhrensalat.

There are a number of ways we make carrot salads in Germany, but this German carrot salad is one of my favorites and one that I frequently enjoyed at one of our favorite restaurants in Stuttgart. Shredded carrots are mixed with onion and sweet corn and tossed in a delicious sweet and tangy honey-mustard vinaigrette. It’s fast and simple to make and makes a terrific starter salad or side dish.

German Carrot Salad Recipe

To make this salad you’ll follow these simple steps:

• Grate or shred the carrots: I use my mandolin slicer to do this to get those nice julienned piece of carrot. You can also use a food processor or a box grater.
• Make the vinaigrette: Combine the white balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a bowl or in a jar and whisk or shake until emulsified.
• Combine Everything: Place the shredded carrots in a medium-sized bowl with the corn and minced onion. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and stir to thoroughly combine.
• Chill the salad: Cover and chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving, stirring at least a couple of times to redistribute the vinaigrette.

This German carrot salad can be served with cold or at room temperature. For best results, let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving. This salad can be made a day in advance and will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Serving Recommendations

This German Carrot Salad is highly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• As a side dish: Serve it alongside your favorite proteins including chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish and seafood.
• As a light lunch: I’ve enjoyed this carrot salad many a time with nothing more than a slice of hearty buttered German bread or crusty baguette. Pair it with a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
• In a sandwich or wrap: Add a scoop to sandwiches or wraps for extra crunch, freshness and flavor.
• At a picnic or barbecue: This salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings since it doesn’t wilt easily and keeps well.

Enjoy!

For more traditional German recipes be sure to try my:

• German Goulash
• Rouladen
• Sauerbraten
• Schweinshaxe
• Käsespätzle 
• Senfbraten 
• Schnitzel
• Jägerschnitzel
• Currywurst
• Maultaschen
• German Potato Soup
• Frikadellen
• Kartoffelpuffer