Zesty Carrot, Apple & Almond Salad

📝 Ingredients

• 3 large carrots, grated or julienned (about 300g)
• 1 crisp apple, grated or matchsticked (Granny Smith for tartness, Pink Lady for sweet sass)
• 75g sultanas (½ cup)
• 60g sliced almonds, lightly toasted for max crunch (½ cup)
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• Pinch of salt, to balance the sweetness
• Optional: Zest of the lemon or orange for an extra citrus lift

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the produce: Grate or julienne the carrots and apple. (Pro tip: if using a juicy apple, toss the shreds in a tiny bit of lemon juice right away to keep them from browning like last season’s trends.)
2. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Add the zest if you're feeling zesty.
3. Toast the almonds (Optional but highly recommended): In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until golden and fragrant (2–3 mins). Let them cool.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the carrots, apple, sultanas, poppy seeds, and almonds. Drizzle over the dressing and mix gently to coat.
5. Let it chill (literally): Pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the sultanas plump up.
6. Serve & style: Give it one last toss, maybe a final sprinkle of almonds or poppy seeds on top for flair, and serve with a smug smile of salad superiority.

💡 Tips & Tweaks

• Want a savory edge? Add a few crumbles of feta or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
• Need more texture? Toss in shredded red cabbage or a few pumpkin seeds.
• Feeling fancy? Add a splash of olive oil to the dressing for extra silkiness.