Carrot & Parsnip Ribbon Salad
Spring-dug carrots and parsnips are a true culinary delight. Cold winter temperatures enhance their flavour and texture, making the roots sweeter and less fibrous and giving them a delicious, satisfying crunch. This salad can be enjoyed with any of the following: Saintly Sauvignon Blanc, Poplar Grove Rose, See Ya Later Ranch Sparkling Brut.Ingredients
Serves 6-8
⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (95 ml) grapeseed oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely minced shallots
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper
⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 medium carrots
1 medium parsnip
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh parsley, plus a few leaves for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh mint, plus a few leaves for garnish
1 cup (250 ml) watercress, arugula or other peppery tender greens
1 orange or grapefruit, peeled and cut into segments, for garnish
shaved pecorino Romano, for garnish
Instructions
- To make dressing, in a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine grapeseed oil, honey, vinegar, shallots, Dijon, pepper, salt and lemon zest and juice. Close lid and shake vigorously until emulsified. Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Shake to re-emulsify before serving.
- Using a sharp vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave carrots and parsnip into fine ribbons, discarding woody core of parsnip. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add enough dressing to coat. Depending on size of carrots and parsnip, you may not need entire batch of dressing. Toss well and let marinate for about 10 minutes, until ribbons have softened slightly but are still a bit crisp. Add parsley and mint and toss gently.
- Place watercress on a serving dish, then arrange carrot and parsnip ribbons overtop. Garnish with orange segments, shaved pecorino Romano and a few parsley and mint leaves.