Who said carrot salad had to be boring?
One thing I have always loved about traditional Indian food is the amazing flavours. It seems like each and every dish has its own individual character that sets it apart from the rest. This carrot salad is one such recipe. I was surprised at how much my young kids loved it.
The combination of roasted peanuts and carrots is amazing. The flavours and crunch textures work really well together.
Indians love their vegetable dishes but they aren’t big salad fans. I think after trying this carrot salad you will understand why this one is quite popular especially in Southern India.
It is best to make this when carrots are in season. The sweet flavour of young carrots makes this salad taste incredibly good.
Pour the warm tempering mixture over the other salad ingredients and serve.
This carrot and roasted peanut salad can be made ahead of time and cooked at the last minute. It is perfect for hot summer evenings together with your favourite curry dishes.
Traditional Indian Food- Carrot Salad With Roasted Peanuts and Dried Chillies

Ingredients
- 3 large carrots - peeled and grated
- 75g (3/4 cup) crushed roasted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of one lemon
- 3 Tablespoon finely chopped coriander
- TEMPERING MIXTURE
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 10 curry leaves
- 1 Teaspoon red chilli flakes
Instructions
- In a serving bowl, mix the carrots, peanuts, sugar, salt, lemon juice and chopped coriander. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a small frying pan. Add the mustard seeds.
- When the seeds begin to pop, add the fresh curry leaves and the red chilli flakes. Be careful adding the chilli flakes if you do not like spicy food. You do not have to use one whole teaspoon. You don't have to add them at all for that matter.
- Allow to sizzle for about 30 second and then toss with the carrot mixture.
- Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes and serve.
Hendrik
Wednesday 6th of July 2022
Whow... 1 Tablespoon salt? It is a lovely combination, but seriously way too salty.
Caroline Toombs
Wednesday 13th of July 2022
Sorry, that should be 1 teaspoon. Thanks for noticing. I have amended the recipe. Dan
Rob Peat
Saturday 16th of June 2018
This, is the dog’s danglies!
It’s a really gorgeous salad. We’ve had it as part of a South Indian feast, with barbecues and I’ve taken it ito work as a stand alone salad.
Lovely!
Dan Toombs
Monday 14th of January 2019
Great to hear you like it Rob.
Thank you, Dan
Marc
Friday 27th of March 2015
Hi Dan,
I am giving your recipe crack,....however wanted to point out that carrots are not listed with the ingredients...
Regards
Marc
Dan Toombs
Monday 13th of April 2015
Hi Marc
Thanks for pointing that out. All fixed now.
Dan
Bev Carr
Friday 9th of January 2015
I'm confused about this recipe....cucumbers and coconut are not in the ingredients, but appear in the instructions. Carrots don't appear anywhere but in the picture. Sounds promising though...help?
Dan Toombs
Tuesday 13th of January 2015
Hi Bev
Understandably. :-) I recently updated my site and for some reason some of the recipes got mixed up. All fixed now.
Thank you. Dan
Neville
Saturday 11th of February 2012
Hi Dan I am an ardent fan of yours. Incidentally I think this recipe is a repeat of the one posted on 14th April 2011. If this be correct please mention if a recipe has been repeated. Just a sugestion. Thanks and all the best Neville