carrots and everything salad

It's that time of year again....Summer!!! I love summers, except for that ridiculous heat. And when it's hot I don't want to be slaving away in the kitchen sweating like crazy. That's just not cool. I find myself eating raw veggies and fruits just so I don't have to cook anything. So I am sort of beating the heat with this no cook, no vinegrette healthy delicious salad. It really is yummy and so summer-y.

Although carrots are the star of this salad, you can add anything else you got in your fridge. I didn't have cucumbers this time. But some deseeded julienned cucumbers would be a delicious addition. Slightly boiled sprouted mung beans or corn would be good too.

Carrots and Everything Salad:

I know I said this is no cook salad...but there is a tiny bit involved where you have to sputter some mustard seeds. You can easily avoid this step, but it does add a huge flavor to the salad.

2 cups julienned Carrots (I get the ready to use kind available in grocery stores. I am lazy that way)

1 tomato (deseeded and finely chopped)

1 tablespoon golden raisins (you can use whichever kind you have on hand)

1 green chilli (add more if you like spicy)

1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 lemon to squeeze
2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
1 teaspooon chopped mint
few crushed roasted peanuts
salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon oil

In a pan heat oil and add mustard seeds. Allow to sputter.Mix the all ingredients except the lemon. Add the mustard seeds. Squeeze the lemon and add salt and pepper according to taste. Garnish with Cilantro and mint.

You can make this in advance and store in the refrigerator. Delish!!!