This Lemony Carrot Salad with Hemp Hearts deserves a spot on your table! It will be at BBQs and weeknight dinners all summer long over here because it breaks the mould of boring summer salads. The fresh, bright flavours and crunch make it so memorable. Plus, it supports gut health, hormone health and blood sugar balance with all that fibre. My whole family loves it! I think yours will too.
The bright lemon dressing, fresh herbs, creamy feta, and sweet bursts of cranberries come together beautifully in this salad. Pair it with these burgers or these tacos for the most unforgettable and joyous meal.
One of my favourite things about this recipe is that it’s simple enough to throw together in minutes, yet impressive enough to bring to a gathering.
Why I Love Hemp Hearts
The star ingredient in this salad is hemp hearts.
I always keep a bag of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts in my pantry because they’re one of the easiest ways to add a nutritional boost to meals. These tiny seeds are packed with plant-based protein, fibre, magnesium, and healthy fats, making them a simple addition to salads, smoothies, yogurt bowls, oatmeal, and even baked goods.
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One of the reasons I recommend them so often is because they have such a mild, nutty flavour. Unlike some superfoods that can overpower a recipe, hemp hearts blend seamlessly into both sweet and savoury dishes while adding valuable nutrients.
The Secret to the Dressing
The dressing is what takes this salad from good to unforgettable.
Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness, while grated ginger and garlic add a layer of warmth and complexity. Dijon mustard helps emulsify everything together, and a touch of maple syrup balances the acidity beautifully. Using good quality olive oil is a must!
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Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Packed with fibre-rich vegetables
- A delicious source of plant-based protein and healthy fats
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for BBQs, potlucks, and picnics
- Naturally gluten-free
- Beautifully colourful and nutrient-dense
The flavours actually improve as the salad sits, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Mains & Sides
Lemony Carrot Salad with Hemp Hearts
PrintSalad
- 2 lb carrots, grated
- 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- Crumbled feta, to taste
- 4 tbsp hemp hearts
- 4 tbsp dried cranberries or raisins
- Chopped pistachios, for garnish
Dressing
- 2 tsp lemon zest (or zest of 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp maple syrup or raw honey
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Add the grated carrots, parsley, mint, feta, hemp hearts, and dried cranberries to a large serving bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.
- Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
No notes available.
A Salad You’ll Make Again and Again
This salad is proof that simple healthy ingredients can create something truly special.
Between the sweetness of the carrots, the brightness of the lemon, the freshness of the herbs, and the satisfying crunch from hemp hearts and pistachios, every bite is packed with flavour and texture!
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, heading to a summer gathering, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy carrots, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
Enjoy,
Joy xo
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2 thoughts on “Lemony Carrot Salad with Hemp Hearts”
Carrot salad absolutely delicious!
And the dressing was the perfect match.
Will definitely make this salad again and again 😋
Thanks for another amazing recipe.
Thrilled to hear you loved it Lisa! It’s a keeper 🙂