Discover how to make Morkų Salotos, a delightful carrot salad popular in Lithuanian cuisine. This easy recipe features grated carrots, creamy mayonnaise, and a blend of fresh ingredients. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, Morkų Salotos offers a crunchy and flavorful experience that's both satisfying and nutritious. Follow our simple steps to create this classic salad in no time!

Ingredients:

- 4 large carrots, peeled and grated

- 1 cup mayonnaise

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

- Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Carrots: Peel and grate the carrots using a fine grater or food processor. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until smooth.

Combine Ingredients: Add the dressing to the grated carrots and mix thoroughly until the carrots are evenly coated.

Season and Garnish: Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Enjoy your homemade Morkų Salotos!

Nutritional Value

Carrots

   - Calories: 41 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 9.6g

   - Fiber: 2.8g

   - Sugars: 4.7g

   - Protein: 0.9g

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Vitamin A: 334% of the Daily Value (DV)

   - Vitamin C: 9% of the DV

Benefits:

   - Rich in Vitamin A: Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

   - High in Fiber: The dietary fiber in carrots aids in digestion, supports weight management, and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

   - Antioxidants: Carrots are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Mayonnaise

   - Calories: 94 kcal

   - Fat: 10g

   - Saturated Fat: 1.5g

   - Cholesterol: 6mg

   - Sodium: 88mg

   - Carbohydrates: 0.1g

   - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

   - Healthy Fats: Mayonnaise, when made with healthy oils like olive oil, can provide essential fats that are beneficial for heart health. However, moderation is key due to its calorie density.

   - Flavor Enhancer: Mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness to dishes, making it a popular ingredient in salads and dressings.

Lemon Juice

   - Calories: 4 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 1.3g

   - Vitamin C: 14% of the DV

Benefits:

   - High in Vitamin C: Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes collagen production, and enhances iron absorption.

   - Alkalizing Effect: Despite its acidic taste, lemon juice has an alkalizing effect on the body, which can help balance pH levels and improve digestion.

   - Detoxifying Properties: Lemon juice is often used in detox drinks due to its ability to support liver function and cleanse the body.

Dijon Mustard

   - Calories: 3 kcal

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Sodium: 120mg

   - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

   - Protein: 0.2g

Benefits:

   - Low in Calories: Dijon mustard is a low-calorie condiment that adds flavor without significantly increasing calorie intake.

   - Rich in Antioxidants: Mustard seeds contain antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress.

   - Digestive Aid: Mustard can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food.

Fresh Parsley

   - Calories: 1 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

   - Vitamin K: 77% of the DV

   - Vitamin C: 8% of the DV

   - Vitamin A: 12% of the DV

Benefits:

   - High in Vitamin K: Parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health.

   - Rich in Antioxidants: Parsley contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to protect the body from chronic diseases.

   - Supports Digestive Health: Parsley can help alleviate bloating and supports kidney function as a natural diuretic.

Salt

  - Nutritional Value (per teaspoon, approx. 6g):

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Sodium: 2,300mg (100% of the recommended daily intake)

Benefits:

   - Electrolyte Balance: Salt is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in the body.

   - Flavor Enhancer: Salt enhances the flavor of food and can bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black Pepper

   - Calories: 5 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 1.3g

   - Fiber: 0.5g

   - Protein: 0.2g

Benefits:

   - Rich in Piperine: Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can enhance the absorption of nutrients like curcumin (found in turmeric).

   - Digestive Aid: Black pepper can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, helping to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Summary:

The ingredients in Morkų Salotos not only offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures but also provide numerous health benefits. Carrots contribute to eye health and digestion, while mayonnaise adds creaminess with a dose of healthy fats. Lemon juice and parsley bring a refreshing zing and are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C and K. Dijon mustard adds depth to the flavor profile, and both salt and black pepper round out the dish with essential electrolytes and antioxidants.