A fresh, crunchy, and easy side dish with deep roots in Lithuanian cuisine. This carrot salad features coarsely grated carrots, toasted sunflower seeds, and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s quick to make, healthy, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or traditional Lithuanian main courses.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp sunflower seeds (shelled)
- 2 medium carrots (approx. 250g), coarsely grated or julienned
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- A pinch of salt (⅛ to ¼ tsp)
- Optional: black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and coarsely grate the carrots using a box grater, julienne slicer, or food processor.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sunflower seeds, stirring frequently until lightly browned and fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots and most of the toasted sunflower seeds. Pour over the lemon dressing and toss until well coated.
- Top with the remaining seeds and garnish with fresh herbs or green onions if desired. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
Looking for a vibrant, healthy, and easy side dish that brings a burst of freshness to your table? This Lithuanian Carrot Salad with Sunflower Seeds is just the thing! It’s crunchy, zesty, and full of wholesome goodness — a classic recipe straight from Lithuanian home kitchens, perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or light weekday meals.
🌿 A Taste of Tradition
This beloved carrot salad recipe has deep roots in Lithuanian family traditions. For many, including the original author, it brings back fond memories of childhood — watching mom grate fresh carrots with lightning speed, sneaking toasted sunflower seeds straight from the bowl, and smelling the grill fire up in the backyard. It’s more than just a salad. It’s a bite of nostalgia, bursting with flavor and love.✨ Why You’ll Love This Carrot Salad
- ✅ Ready in minutes – Quick prep and simple ingredients make it perfect for busy days.
- 🥗 Fresh & crunchy – The texture is everything! Think juicy carrots + crispy sunflower seeds.
- 🍋 Naturally tangy – Fresh lemon juice gives it a refreshing zing.
- 🌱 Nutrient-rich – Loaded with vitamin A from carrots and vitamin E from sunflower seeds.
- 🍖 Perfect sidekick – Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially Lithuanian pork dishes.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| 3 tbsp sunflower seeds | Use shelled seeds. Toast them lightly for a nutty aroma and crunch. Pumpkin seeds work too, but they’re less traditional. |
| 2 medium carrots (approx. 250g) | Grated or julienned. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best result. |
| 2 tbsp olive oil | Or substitute with sunflower oil for a more Lithuanian touch. |
| 2 tbsp lemon juice | Freshly squeezed is best. If using concentrate, reduce the amount by ⅓. |
| A pinch of salt | Between ⅛–¼ tsp. Add black pepper to taste if desired. |
🥄 How To Make Lithuanian Carrot Salad (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the carrots: Peel and coarsely grate the carrots using a box grater, food processor, or a julienne slicer.
- Toast the sunflower seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sunflower seeds, stirring often until golden and aromatic. This step brings out their nutty flavor — don’t skip it!
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the grated carrots with the toasted sunflower seeds (save a spoonful for garnish) and pour over the dressing. Mix everything until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Scatter the reserved seeds on top. Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or dill for an extra pop of flavor and color!
🍽️ What To Serve It With?
This fresh carrot salad is a versatile side dish that complements a variety of mains, especially grilled or pan-fried meats. Here are a few classic pairings:- 🥩 Chicken or Pork Shashlik – The smoky, juicy meat is perfectly balanced by the salad's brightness.
- 🍖 Lithuanian Pork Escalopes (Karbonadas) – Breaded and pan-fried pork pairs beautifully with the light crunch and acidity of this salad.
- 🐟 Grilled fish or baked salmon – The nutty sunflower seeds and citrus dressing enhance the flavor of seafood dishes.
🧊 How To Store Carrot Salad
Planning to make this ahead? Great idea! Here's how to keep it fresh:- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For maximum crunch, keep the toasted sunflower seeds separate and add them just before serving.
- Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the lemon dressing.
📌 Final Tips
- Want to make it heartier? Add a handful of raisins or diced apple for a sweet contrast.
- Hosting a BBQ? Double the recipe – this salad disappears fast!
- Great for kids – it’s colorful, crunchy, and naturally sweet thanks to fresh carrots.
