Dinner

French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe

Name: French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon; 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil; 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, to taste; Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 finely sliced scallions (or 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots)

ByZoe Lane July 9, 2025July 9, 2025

Jump to Recipe

The French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing staple in French home cooking that appeals to every sense. Imagine sweet, juicy carrots, finely shredded for irresistible crunch, all tossed in a citrusy, tangy, and slightly sweet vinaigrette brightened with Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Flecks of fresh parsley and scallions round out the dish with color and irresistible aroma. This is a salad that’s as easy to love as it is to prepare—perfect for everything from family lunches to elegant dinner parties.

French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette requires just a handful of ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one brings a specific flavor, color, or texture that makes this classic salad so special. Here’s what you’ll need, and why.

Carrots: Opt for the freshest carrots you can find, as their sweetness and crunch are the heart of the salad.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a classic French tang and subtle heat to the vinaigrette—not to be skipped!
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Lifts the entire salad and balances its flavors with bright acidity.
Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral backing to the vinaigrette, allowing other flavors to shine.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a grassy, peppery note that’s delicious with carrots and mustard.
Honey: Brings balance and just enough sweetness—taste as you go, depending on how sweet your carrots are.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the salad doesn’t taste flat; don’t skimp!
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Fresh Parsley: Gives herbal freshness and gorgeous green color.
Scallions or Shallots: Choose whichever you prefer for a delicate bite and extra aroma.

How to Make French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Step 1: Grate the Carrots

This is where the classic French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette gets its signature texture! Peel your carrots, then shred them using a food processor fitted with a grater attachment (or use a box grater if you’re feeling rustic). The finer the shred, the more flavor and dressing the carrots soak up.

Step 2: Whisk the Vinaigrette

In a large salad bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, both the vegetable oil and olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust for tartness or sweetness—it’s the backbone of French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette, so make sure the balance is just right for you.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add the freshly grated carrots directly to your bowl of vinaigrette, along with the chopped parsley and sliced scallions or chopped shallots. Toss gently but thoroughly until every strand of carrot is shiny and coated with the fragrant dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This time in the fridge lets the flavors mingle and intensifies the tangy-sweet brightness of the dish.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Right before serving, give your French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette one last toss and check for seasoning—a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference. Enjoy immediately, garnished to your liking!

How to Serve French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley or a sprinkling of extra scallion slices makes this salad pop in both color and taste. For a fun twist, try a scatter of toasted seeds or a bit of lemon zest on top for added crunch and zing.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple omelet. It also loves to sit beside other classic French fare, like crusty baguette slices and a wedge of creamy cheese—turning any meal into a Parisian picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the carrot salad into lettuce cups for a playful appetizer, or layering it into sandwiches for a lively crunch. For parties, serve it in mini glass jars for guests to grab and go—a whimsical way to show off those vibrant colors and irresistible flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette actually improves as it sits—the flavors get cozier and more intense. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, giving it a quick toss before serving again.

Freezing

This isn’t a salad you’ll want to freeze; the texture of fresh carrots will become watery and limp upon thawing, losing the signature crunch and fresh taste that makes French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette so special.

Reheating

No reheating required! This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you need to perk it up after a day or two, simply toss it with a drizzle more lemon juice or olive oil to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots from the store?

You can, but shredding fresh carrots at home makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be drier and firmer, so if you’re in a hurry, just make sure to dress and chill them well.

Can I make French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the salad a few hours ahead enhances the flavor as the carrots marinate in the vinaigrette. Just remember to give it a taste before serving in case it needs a fresh pinch of salt or extra splash of lemon juice.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon, a smooth yellow mustard can work in a pinch, though it will add a milder tang. In a bind, a touch of whole grain mustard can also add interesting texture and depth to the French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette.

Are there other herbs I can use besides parsley?

While parsley keeps things classic, feel free to get creative. Chives, fresh dill, or even a bit of tarragon can offer a new twist and extra layers of fragrance to your salad.

How do I adjust the dressing if my carrots are super sweet or not sweet at all?

The vinaigrette is endlessly adaptable! If your carrots are on the sweeter side, stick to just a drizzle of honey or skip it altogether. If they’re a bit earthy, add an extra teaspoon for balance—it’s all about tuning the salad to your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s equally at home at a picnic, in a fancy lunch spread, or as a snack you can’t help but nibble from the fridge, French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette is it. I hope this bright, cheery dish finds its way onto your table—and that you love it as much as I do!