Sri Lankan Carrot Salad: Healthy No-Cook Recipes You’ll Love

(Updated Version)

Sri Lankan cuisine is a symphony of flavors, where spices and fresh coconut - either as creamy coconut milk or raw - play the lead role. During my seven-day trip in Sri Lanka, I was blown away by the vibrant dishes (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & KANDY SRI LANKA). Not a single meal disappointed, and I even picked up a few new recipes along the way, despite being no stranger to Sri Lankan cooking.

These recipes are not just about taste (SRI LANKAN FISH COCONUT MILK CURRY) - they embody healthy, nutritious eating and align perfectly with the much-loved Zen holistic wellness approach, emphasizing mindful eating and balance.

One standout dish I learned to make is the famed Sri Lankan Carrot Salad, or Karat Mallum. I added my twist by incorporating cucumber and swapping curry leaves for coriander leaves. But I also stuck to tradition, whipping up the authentic Sri Lankan Carrot Sambola, and another household favorite, the Sri Lankan Raw Carrot Yogurt Salad. These three salads are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare - no cooking required.

Sri Lankan Carrot Salad (Karat Mallum)

Ingredients

1 carrot, peeled and grated

½ cucumber, seeded and grated with skin on

2 tbsp fresh grated coconut

1 red chili, thinly sliced

1 green chili, thinly sliced

2-3 sprigs coriander leaves, shredded

4 shallots, thinly sliced

Lime juice, to taste

Salt, to taste

 

Method

Toss all the ingredients together.

Sri Lankan Carrot Coconut Salad (Carrot Sambola)

Ingredients

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 tbsp grated coconut

Some curry leaves

Red chilies, sliced (as needed)

3 shallots, sliced

Lime juice, to taste

Salt, to taste

Method

Blend all the ingredients until you reach your desired texture.

Taste and adjust with more salt and lime juice if needed.

Sri Lankan Carrot Yogurt Salad (Karat Kiri Salada)

Ingredients

Grated carrot (as needed)

Yogurt (as needed)

Some coriander leaves 

Green chilies as needed - sliced 

Shallots, thinly sliced

Salt, to taste

Method

Mix all the ingredients together.

 

These raw salads are a perfect example of the vibrant, fresh flavors that make Sri Lankan food unforgettable. They're not only a treat for your taste buds but also support a mindful, holistic approach to wellness. Give them a try, and bring a taste of Sri Lanka to your table.