Are you tired of the same old salad recipes that leave you feeling unsatisfied and uninspired? We have a delicious solution for you! Introducing our Roasted Carrot Salad with Peanut Sesame Mole – a flavorful and healthy plant-based dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
What sets this salad apart is the homemade Peanut Sesame Mole sauce, which adds a rich and savory flavor to the tender roasted carrots. The combination of crunchy radishes, fresh greens, and the mole sauce creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for an easy dinner idea, this Roasted Carrot Salad with Peanut Sesame Mole is a must-try.
Key Takeaways:
- This roasted carrot salad is a flavorful and healthy option for vegetarians.
- The homemade Peanut Sesame Mole sauce adds a rich and savory taste to the salad.
- The combination of roasted carrots, crunchy radishes, and fresh greens creates a delicious balance of textures.
- This salad is easy to make and perfect for a nutritious and flavorful dinner.
- Give this recipe a try and elevate your salad game with its unique flavors and homemade dressing.
The Perfect Spice Blend for Roasting Carrots
To achieve the perfect flavor for the roasted carrots in this salad, we use a carefully crafted spice blend. This blend includes a combination of aromatic spices that enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots and add a depth of flavor to the dish. The spice blend consists of:
- Cumin – adds a warm and earthy note
- Coriander – imparts a citrusy and slightly nutty flavor
- Paprika – brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color
- Garlic – enhances the overall savory profile
- Black pepper – adds a mild spiciness
- Ground ancho chiles – provides a rich and slightly sweet heat
When combined, these spices create a harmonious blend that complements the caramelized carrots. The earthy hints of cumin and coriander, the smoky undertones of paprika, and the gentle kick from black pepper and ground ancho chiles make these roasted carrots a standout component in the salad.
By using this spice blend, we elevate the flavor profile of the carrots, turning them into an irresistible and aromatic base for our salad. The roasting process caramelizes the carrots, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a tender texture that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
Now that we have our perfectly spiced and roasted carrots, it’s time to move on to the next exciting component of our salad – the peanut sesame mole sauce!
Simplified Mole Poblano Sauce with a Twist
The mole poblano sauce used in this recipe is a simplified version that still delivers complex flavors. It starts with sautéed onions and garlic, combined with a blend of spices, toasted sesame and pumpkin seeds, peanut butter, dark chocolate, raisins, orange juice, chipotle peppers, vegetable stock, and vinegar. The result is a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the roasted carrots. This homemade dressing adds a unique twist to the salad.
| Ingredients for Mole Poblano Sauce | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Pumpkin seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Peanut butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Dark chocolate | 1 ounce |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Orange juice | 1/4 cup |
| Chipotle peppers | 2 peppers |
| Vegetable stock | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. If needed, add more stock or water for a thinner consistency. The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
We wanted to create a simplified version of the traditional mole poblano sauce that is not only easier to make but still full of complex flavors. By utilizing a blend of onions, garlic, sesame and pumpkin seeds, peanut butter, dark chocolate, raisins, orange juice, chipotle peppers, vegetable stock, and vinegar, we were able to achieve a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the roasted carrots in this salad.
Assembling the Roasted Carrot Salad
To assemble the roasted carrot salad, we start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. The star of the salad, the cooked carrots, are first tossed with thinly sliced radishes, mixed greens and herbs, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil. These fresh and vibrant ingredients add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Once the carrots and vegetables are mixed together, it’s time to add the pièce de résistance – the peanut sesame mole sauce. A generous swipe of this rich and savory sauce is spread over the salad, ensuring that every bite is filled with its delicious flavors.
To top it all off, we sprinkle the salad with pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch and texture. The addition of white onion and a sprinkle of chile flakes adds a touch of heat and a pop of color to the plate.
This vegan salad is not only visually appealing but also a feast for the taste buds. The combination of roasted carrots, radishes, mixed greens, and herbs, complemented by the tangy lemon juice, fruity extra-virgin olive oil, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
“The roasted carrot salad with peanut sesame mole is a showcase of contrasting flavors and textures. The earthiness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the fresh and crisp radishes and greens. The zing of lemon juice and the richness of extra-virgin olive oil elevate the overall flavor profile. And let’s not forget the delightful crunch from the pumpkin seeds. It’s a salad that tantalizes the palate and leaves you wanting more.”
Tips for Preparing the Roasted Carrot Salad in Advance
If you’re looking to save time and make this roasted carrot salad in advance, we have some helpful tips for you. By prepping key components ahead of time, you can streamline the salad preparation process and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Make Ahead: Roasted Carrots
To make meal prep easier, you can prepare the roasted carrots ahead of time. Start by par-boiling the carrots to ensure they stay tender and flavorful. Once they are cooked, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, simply reheat the carrots in the oven or stovetop to bring back their roasted flavor and texture.
Prepare the Peanut Sesame Mole Sauce
The peanut sesame mole sauce is a key element of this delicious salad. To save time, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad. The flavors will continue to develop, creating an even more flavorful dressing for your roasted carrot salad.
Time-Saving Salad Assembly
When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply toss the reheated roasted carrots with fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. This combination will bring out the flavors of the carrots and lend a refreshing tang to the salad. Then, drizzle the prepared peanut sesame mole sauce over the carrots and garnish with your choice of toppings. The result is a time-saving, flavorful salad that’s ready to be enjoyed.
By using these make-ahead and meal prep techniques, you can save time in the kitchen without compromising on taste. Preparing the roasted carrots and peanut sesame mole sauce ahead of time allows you to have a quick and easy salad ready whenever you’re craving a flavorful and nutritious meal. So go ahead, give this roasted carrot salad a try, and experience the convenience of a time-saving meal prep strategy.
Ingredient List and Recipe Instructions
In order to make this delicious roasted carrot salad with peanut sesame mole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ancho chiles
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
- 2 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, follow these recipe instructions to prepare the roasted carrot salad:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and ground ancho chiles until well coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
- In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, toasted sesame seeds, toasted pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to create the peanut sesame mole sauce.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cilantro leaves, roasted pumpkin seeds, and radishes.
- Add the roasted carrots to the salad bowl and drizzle with the peanut sesame mole sauce.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the salad with chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Serve the roasted carrot salad immediately and enjoy!
With these simple instructions, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and satisfying roasted carrot salad with peanut sesame mole that is sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious salad as a main course or as a side dish for your next meal.
Cooking Time and Serving Size
When preparing this delicious roasted carrot salad with peanut sesame mole, you’ll need a total cooking time of 65 minutes, including both preparation and cooking. This allows for ample time to roast the carrots to perfection and prepare the flavorful mole sauce.
The serving size of this recipe is designed to accommodate 4 servings, making it an ideal choice for a small gathering or a cozy family dinner. However, if you need to adjust the recipe for a larger or smaller crowd, you can easily scale the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Whether you’re cooking for a few or a crowd, this roasted carrot salad with peanut sesame mole is sure to impress with its bold flavors and vibrant presentation. Let’s dig in!
| Cooking Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Preparation: 20 minutes | Yields: 4 servings |
| Cooking: 45 minutes | Serving Size: 1 cup |
| Total: 65 minutes |
Conclusion
This roasted carrot salad with peanut sesame mole recipe is a flavorful and healthy addition to your dinner routine. The combination of tender roasted carrots, crunchy radishes, and fresh greens, all tossed with a rich and savory mole sauce, creates a satisfying and delicious salad. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a nutritious meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this roasted carrot salad is not only visually appealing, but it also packs a nutritional punch. The carrots provide a natural sweetness, while the mole sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for a quick and tasty dinner idea.
So next time you’re craving a flavorful salad, give this roasted carrot salad with peanut sesame mole a try. It’s a plant-based dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors, and indulge in the deliciousness of this homemade salad.