If you’re looking for a vibrant side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, this Lithuanian Carrot Salad With Sunflower Seeds and tangy dressing is your new go-to. It’s fresh, crunchy, and the perfect way to bring a little Lithuanian flair to any meal!
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I remember sneaking sunflower seeds straight from the bowl as my mom grated carrots at lightning speed, making this salad in her tiny Lithuanian kitchen.
This was more than just a side dish; it was mom's recipe that only meant one thing - the BBQ grill was on, and we were about to have a feast! Even now, one bite of the crunchy carrots and toasted sunflower seeds takes me right back to those love-filled moments.
Recipe Highlights
This flavorful salad comes together in a matter of minutes, bringing a taste of Lithuania to your table.
- A crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with any main course, any time of the year.
- A quick and easy recipe that’s ready in no time, making it a go-to side dish.
- Tangy flavors from fresh lemon juice add a refreshing twist.
- Packed with vitamin A from carrots and vitamin E from sunflower seeds, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredient Notes
- raw sunflower seeds: also known as sunflower kernel. You may also replace them with pumpkin seeds, but it is less common in Lithuania.
- carrots: coarsely grated or julienned. It is the main ingredient in this fresh salad, so make sure to choose fresh crunchy carrots for best results.
- olive oil: or sunflower oil.
- lemon juice: you may use lemon juice concentrate but you will need to reduce the amount by about ⅓. Lime juice may also be used, although uncommon in Lithuanian cuisine.
- a pinch of salt: we use between ⅛-1/4 teaspoon salt. You can also add a little bit of black pepper to taste.
You can find the quantities of salad ingredients alongside a full method in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-By-Step Method
1. Peel and coarsely grate the carrots using a box grater, a grated attachment on your food processor or a julienne slicer.
2. Toast the sunflower seeds in a small dry frying pan stirring often, until slightly browned and smell all nutty.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice and salt to make the dressing.
4. Place grated carrots (or julienned carrots) in a large bowl, add the sunflower seeds (reserving some for the topping) and toss everything with the lemon dressing. Scatter the reserved toasted sunflower seeds on top and decorate with fresh herbs or green onions!
What To Serve Lithuanian Carrot Salad With?
This delicious salad is a popular side dish that pairs effortlessly with almost any hearty main dish. Its bright, tangy flavors and crunchy texture complement grilled meat and fish alike, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Here are our favorite things to serve it with:
- Chicken Shashlik (or Pork Shashlik): The smoky, juicy grilled chicken shashlik is a perfect match for the fresh and nutty notes of this carrot salad. It adds just the right amount of crunch to balance the tenderness of the grilled meat. It is an irreplaceable side salad for summer BBQs in Lithuania!
- Lithuanian Pork Escalopes: These thin, pan-fried pork slices are a classic, hearty main dish that loves a fresh sidekick. You will find this salad served alongside many breaded pork (Karbonadas) or chicken recipes in almost any old-school restaurant or canteen in Lithuania.
How To Store Carrot Salad With Sunflower Seeds?
Storing this salad is a great way to keep it fresh and ready for meals throughout the week. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. The best way to store it is in an airtight container, but for maximum crunch, keep the toasted sunflower seeds in a separate container. Mix them in just before serving to maintain their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing, as it tends to gather at the bottom after storage.
More Lithuanian Salad Recipes
We hope you enjoyed this simple sunflower salad recipe and that it brings a bit of Lithuanian flavor to your table. Be sure to check out the great salads below for more side salad recipes featuring your favorite veggies—these are some of Lithuania’s best!
Lithuanian Carrot Salad With Sunflower Seeds
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon sunflower seeds shelled
- 2 medium carrots approx 250g, coarsely grated
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Toast the sunflower seeds in a small dry frying pan stirring often, until slightly browned and smell all nutty.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice and salt to make the dressing.
- Place grated carrots in a mixing bowl, add the sunflower seeds (reserving some for the topping) and toss everything with the lemon dressing. Scatter the reserved seeds on top!
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