Sweet, a little sour, freshening and easy - this pretty much sums up this German carrot salad recipe. It is one of my kids' favourites, as it does not have the sharp vinegary flavour that some salads bring with them. The salad is light and refreshing.
I think this is the "Best Authentic German Carrot Salad". Why? Because I got this recipe from my mother of course. There are many versions of how to make this dish, but this one comes close to the traditional recipe.
By popular demand, this reader-favorite recipe made it into my debut cookbook, German Kitchen-Classic Dishes!
The standout ingredient to me is that this salad is made with grated apple. Apple is a very popular ingredient in German salads. In a previous post, I have shared my potato salad with apple, German egg salad with apple and my cucumber radish salad with apple. The apple in salads adds some sweetness and freshness.
What is German Carrot Salad?
Well, can you guess? As the name suggests it is a salad made from raw carrots. It is a popular dish in Germany and you will find it ready-made in supermarkets or it will be served as a side dish at restaurants. You can find this dish with and without the grated apple.
What is carrot in German?
The most common term for carrot in German is "Karotte". However, there are several other words that describe this vegetable such as "Möhren, Wurzeln, Rüben or Mohrrüben".
How to make this German Carrot Salad?
Ingredients for 4 people as a side dish:
- 400 g carrots (14 oz)
- 1 apple (tart)
For the carrot salad dressing
- 2 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoon cider vinegar (alternatively use white wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar (alternatively you can use honey or a low-calorie sugar replacement).
To serve (optional)
Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, Seeds and nuts such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, walnuts and hazelnuts.
Recipe Steps:
- Peel the carrots and chop of the stalk.
- Peel and core the apple
- Using a hand grater or a kitchen machine, shred the carrot into thin strips. You do want to keep some texture in the carrots so make you do not shred them too fine.
- Now let's create the salad dressing for the shredded carrot. In a separate bowl mix the sunflower oil, vinegar, lemon juice and sugar.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the shredded carrots and apples.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Leave to marinate for at least an hour for the flavours to immerse.
- Before serving you can optionally sprinkle the salad with some fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. You can also top the salad with some nuts, seeds, or raisins.
Which nuts and seeds go well with carrot salad?
Carrot Salad with seeds or nuts is one of my favourite combinations because it adds an extra crunch to this juicy dish. Here are my favourite combinations
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
Is this salad healthy?
Because this salad is made from raw carrots, it still has all the nutrients that sometimes get lose if the vegetables are cooked. Carrots are a good source of beta carotene, fibre, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants (Source healthline) Carotene, is linked to great eyesight.
The carrot salad dressing is made without mayonnaise (affiliate link), which makes it a lighter salad.
How to serve this Carrot and Apple Salad?
This salad is served cold. It tends to be served as a side for the evening meal with bread and cuts of meat and cheese. It is also a popular dish to bring to a buffet or picnics, as it is easy to transport in an airtight container. We like to bring this German Carrot Apple Salad to BBQs because its light and refreshing and goes well with heavy, fatty meat dishes.
Storage Instructions
How long does carrot salad last?
This salad should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container. There is should last between 3-4 days.
Can I freeze shredded carrot salad?
Yes you can. Just place it in an airtight container and defrost within three months. This is great if you want to prepare it in advance for a buffet or party.
Recipe
German Carrot Salad (Karottensalat)
Equipment
- kitchenmaschine or hand grater
Ingredients
- 900 g (2 lb) carrots about 5 large carrots
- 1 apple tart
For the carrot salad dressing
- 2 tablespoon sunflower oil or any other plant based oil
- 2 tablespoon cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey or sugar replacement
To serve (optional)
- 2 tablespoon fresh herbs such as chives or parsley
- 2 tablespoon seeds or nuts such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, walnuts or hazelnuts
Instructions
- Peel the carrots and remove the tops.900 g carrots
- Peel and core the apple.1 apple
- Using a hand grater or a foodprocessor, shred the carrots into thin strips, ensuring they retain some texture. Repeat with the apple.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the sunflower oil, vinegar, lemon juice, andsugar until well combined.2 tablespoon sunflower oil, 2 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pour the dressing over the shredded carrots and apple, tossing gently to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Let the salad marinate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Before serving, garnish with freshherbs such as parsley or chives (optional).For added texture and flavor, sprinkle with nuts, seeds, or raisins.2 tablespoon fresh herbs, 2 tablespoon seeds or nuts
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition
Love this authentic German recipe?
This is one of 65 traditional dishes featured in my cookbook, German Kitchen-Classic Dishes - all tested, perfected, and handpicked by readers like you!
Royce Ellen Hettler says
I love this! My mom taught me to make Carrot Salad with crushed pineapple & raisins, using mayo for a base. I look forward to trying your recipe for our Easter meal this year. Thank you
Marita Sinden says
Thanks Royce, family recipes are so precious! Best Wishes Marita
Connie Dobrin says
How do you prep the apple? Are you shredding this as well as the carrots or slicing?
Marita Sinden says
Hi Connie, thanks for your comment. Yes you shred the apple as well, I updated the recipe card to make this clearer. Best Wishes Marita
Lisa says
Delicious! I added some green grapes instead of raisins which also worked really well.
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
This looks and sounds utterly delicious - my kind of salad! Eb 🙂
Marita says
Thank you Eb
Kat (Kat's Veg Kitchen) says
I've not heard of this before but it sounds like a tasty alternative to coleslaw!
Marita says
Yes its a bit like coleslaw but no mayo and no cabbage x
Sarah James says
Your carrot salad looks so light and fresh. I love the addition of apple, thanks for sharing and hosting CookBlogShare.
Marita says
Thank you and it was my pleasure
Carrie Carvalho says
So fresh and tasty, love the addition of apple.
Marita says
Thank you
Jo Keohane says
So fresh and delicious, carrot and apple are two of my favourite ingredients. Thank you very much for posting this recipe and hosting #cookblogshare
Marita says
Thank you and my pleasure x
Kate says
Gorgeous carrot salad with so many lovely flavours that really complement the carrots. Delicious!
Jacqui – Recipes Made Easy:Only Crumbs Remain says
what a lovely bright salad. I do like simple and tasty recipes like this.
Karen says
I LOVE carrot salad and especially with BBQ’s 😊thank you for hosting this week…..lovely round up! Karen
Melissa Altman-Traub says
This is a great idea and would be nice for summer barbecues and picnics!
Lesley says
I love salads like this, the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavours and super simple to make. A real winner.
Corina Blum says
I love how easy this side salad is to make. I think it's a great idea to add apple to the carrot - It sound lovely!
Janice says
Family recipes are the best! Such a simple recipe and so delicious.
Choclette says
Love a carrot salad. It's so quick and easy to make. I bet yours is even more delicious with the apple in it.
KALIN says
This looks so simple yet so flavorful! I’ve never had it before but will have to try if
Marita says
Thank you, Kalin, hope you will enjoy it.
Julia says
This is so simple... I love the idea of a carrot salad and as it's BBQ season this is a perfect recipe to go with all the other summer foods.
Marita says
HI Julia, yes this is one of my favorite salads to bring to a BBQ.
Giangi says
Yummy!!! Love the simplicity of this recipe. A perfect dish to go alongside any great meal.
Marita says
Thank you Giangi. It is really delicious.
Gregory says
Simple, delcious and nutritious! Three of my favorite words to describe eating. I love this recipe. The dressing sounds amazing!
Marita says
Thank you Greg! And Yes the dressing does taste amazing. x