Salads are often the go-to choice when you need something light, quick, and healthy. If you’re in a rush and need to whip up something in just 5 minutes, this simple Carrot and Grape Salad with boiled eggs and mayonnaise is an excellent choice. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. The sweetness of fresh grapes combined with the crunch of raw carrots and the richness of boiled eggs, all brought together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, makes for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a snack, this salad is both delicious and versatile. The best part? It takes only 5 minutes to prepare!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this quick and delicious salad:
- Raw carrots: 200 g (grated or thinly sliced)
- Grapes: 200 g (preferably seedless for convenience)
- Boiled eggs: 4 pcs (hard-boiled)
- Mayonnaise: for dressing (about 2-3 tablespoons, adjust to taste)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Steps to Make Carrot and Grape Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Grate the carrots: Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Grate them using a coarse grater or cut them into thin strips for added crunch. Place the grated carrots in a mixing bowl.
- Prepare the grapes: Rinse the grapes under cold water and pat them dry. If they are not seedless, make sure to remove the seeds. Slice the grapes in half and add them to the bowl with the carrots.
- Boil and chop the eggs: If you haven’t already boiled the eggs, place them in a pot with cold water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Once done, cool the eggs under cold water, peel them, and chop them into small pieces. Add the chopped eggs to the bowl.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- Add mayonnaise: Once the main ingredients are in the bowl, add 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Adjust the amount depending on how creamy you want your salad. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Stir again to combine the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving dish: Once everything is mixed and seasoned to your liking, transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate.
- Garnish if desired: You can add a bit of extra flair by garnishing with fresh parsley or some extra grape halves on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short while if you prefer it chilled.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
This salad offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins:
- Calories: Approximately 230 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 18 g (from mayonnaise and eggs)
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g (from carrots and grapes)
- Sugars: 9 g (from grapes and carrots)
- Sodium: 180 mg (depending on the amount of salt used)
This nutrient profile makes the salad light, yet rich in vitamins A and C, and offers a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a light vinaigrette dressing. This would reduce the calorie content while maintaining the creamy texture.
2. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance. However, it’s best to add the mayonnaise just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy. Store the prepared ingredients (without the dressing) in the fridge for up to a day.
3. What type of grapes should I use?
Seedless grapes are the most convenient and work best for this salad. You can choose between red, green, or black grapes depending on your flavor preference. Red grapes tend to be sweeter, while green grapes add a slight tanginess.
4. Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can add ingredients like walnuts for some crunch, raisins for extra sweetness, or even diced apple for more freshness. Just make sure the flavors complement each other.
5. How long will the salad last in the refrigerator?
If properly stored in an airtight container, this salad can last for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the texture of the ingredients may become, especially the grapes.
Tips for Making the Best Carrot and Grape Salad
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the carrots and grapes, the better the texture and flavor of your salad will be. Avoid using overripe grapes, as they can make the salad too watery.
- Boil the eggs ahead of time: To save time, you can boil the eggs in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to make the salad. This will also allow the eggs to cool down, making them easier to chop.
- Adjust the dressing: If you prefer a lighter salad, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute it with a low-fat alternative like Greek yogurt. Conversely, if you like a creamier texture, add an extra spoonful of mayonnaise.
- Season well: Don’t forget to taste your salad after mixing and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A well-seasoned salad makes a huge difference in flavor.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The salad should be consumed within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
- Prepping ahead: If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, prepare the components (grated carrots, halved grapes, and boiled eggs) separately and store them in the fridge. Mix with the mayonnaise and seasoning just before serving to ensure freshness.
- Avoid freezing: Due to the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, this salad does not freeze well. It is best enjoyed fresh or after short refrigeration.
Conclusion
This 5-minute Carrot and Grape Salad is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that can be prepared in a flash. The combination of raw carrots, juicy grapes, and rich boiled eggs makes for a delightful texture and taste experience. Perfect for busy weekdays or as a light, refreshing addition to any meal, this salad will quickly become a household favorite.
The best part? You can easily customize it with different dressings, add-ins like nuts or apples, and make it your own. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this quick salad that offers a balance of nutrition and flavor in every bite!