Carrot and Banana Salad with Middle Eastern Twist

Ingredients

In the original Haitian carrot and banana salad, the flavors are primarily sweet and tangy, with the addition of lime juice and sugar. In this Mizrahi adaptation, we incorporate Middle Eastern flavors by using tahini, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. The dressing is creamy and nutty, adding a unique twist to the dish. Additionally, toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Carotte banana, so you can check it out.

• 4 large carrots, grated (about 2 cups / 240g) 4 large carrots, grated (about 2 cups / 240g)
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 21g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots and sliced bananas.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the carrot and banana mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped parsley and mint leaves to the salad and toss again.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Carrots — Make sure to grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor for a consistent texture.
• Tahini — Stir the tahini well before using to ensure a smooth and creamy dressing.
• Lemon juice — Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly before chopping to remove any excess moisture.
• Toasted sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can add some chopped roasted almonds or pistachios to the salad.
• If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can drizzle a little more honey over the top before serving.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and tahini according to your taste preferences.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the fresh herbs and sesame seeds right before serving.
• Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or dill to add your own twist to the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Carrot and Banana Salad with a Middle Eastern Twist as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter. It pairs well with pita bread or as a topping for falafel wraps.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the salad with a sprig of fresh mint and a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds. Serve it in a vibrant salad bowl or on a decorative platter to showcase the colorful ingredients.