Carrot Salad Recipe without Mayonnaise

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Looking for a fresh, crunchy salad that doesn’t rely on creamy dressing? This Carrot Salad Recipe without Mayonnaise is light, zesty, and packed with flavor thanks to a tangy vinaigrette, toasted almonds, and bright herbs. It’s the perfect side dish for a summer potluck, holiday gathering (I’m talking to you Easter!), or anytime you need something fast and colorful to brighten up your table.

Ingredients Needed For Carrot Salad

• Fresh carrots– the colorful carrots can be found at health food stores like Trader Joes or Whole Foods. Sometimes I’ve seen them at Costco or in the organic produce section of my local grocery store. It’s always an absolute score when I find them at the local farmers market too!
• Scallions (green onions) – finely dice both white and green parts.
• Fresh parsley – chopped
• Sliced almonds – toasted to bring out their nutty flavor.

for the dressing-

• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil – use a good one!
• Sugar or maple syrup
• Salt
• Black pepper

Carrot Salad Variations

• Use shredded carrot salad mix or pre-shredded carrots to save time.
• Sub green onions with red onion.
• Try fresh cilantro instead of parsley.
• Add a handful of raisins or use it as a base for a healthy carrot raisin salad.
• Mix in canned pineapples or fresh pineapple for a sweet twist.
• Swap almonds for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Use fresh lemon juice or orange juice for a citrusy spin.
• Add a pinch of ground cumin for a warm spice note.
• For a creamy version, try adding a spoonful of greek yogurt or mayonnaise.

How to Make Carrot Salad without Mayonnaise

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Toast the Almonds

Heat a small dry pan (no oil) over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds in a single layer. Swirl the pan every 15–30 seconds to prevent burning. Watch for color change – they will turn a light golden brown and smell fragrant in 3–5 minutes. Remove and transfer to a plate to cool completely.

2. Prep the Carrots

Peel and finely slice carrots, using a mandoline slicer. Place into a large bowl. You can also shred carrots with a box grater or peel large pieces with a vegetable peeler.

3. Combine Salad Base Ingredients

Add in cooled toasted almonds, sliced scallions, and chopped parsley. Set aside.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.

5. Toss Together

Pour dressing over the rest of the ingredients and toss well to coat.

6. Chill or Serve

Serve right away or refrigerate until serving. If prepping more than a couple of hours ahead, wait to add the almonds.

What to Serve with Carrot Salad

This salad goes great with grilled meats, a bean salad, green salad, or even mixed into a pasta salad for added crunch. Here are a few reader favorites that pair perfectly:

• Korean Chicken Thighs
• Baked Salmon
• Baked Chicken Legs
• BBQ Pulled Pork
• Baked Ham
• Slow Cooker Ribs

Storage + Make Ahead Directions

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad lasts about 2-3 days. The texture is best the next day, but after that, it may get soggy.

Also, this is a great salad to make in advance because it tends to taste better after sitting in that tasty dressing for a few hours. If you want to make this in advance, be sure to omit the almonds until you’re ready to serve. I like mine nice and crunchy, and the nuts have a tendency to soften in this recipe after about 3 hours. So just throw those in at the end.

Can you freeze this recipe? 

No, this grated carrot salad doesn’t freeze well. The texture becomes mushy once thawed.

More Salad Recipes to Try!

• Spring Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• English Pea Salad
• Apple Pecan Salad
• Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
• Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
• Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds

This French carrot salad is simple, vibrant, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Bookmark the recipe card and keep it in mind the next time you need a quick and healthy side salad the whole family can enjoy. The recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.