Zippy citrus carrot salad

Ingredients

Salad
2 tangerines or Cuties (see tip)
2 medium to large carrots (see tip)
1/2 cup garbanzo beans
1/4 cup diced red onion (see tip)
2 tbsp. chopped fresh mint

Dressing
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. citrus zest
2 tbsp. sesame seeds
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Medjool date (pit removed) OR 1 tbsp. maple syrup
1/4 tsp. red chili pepper flakes
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Directions

Zest citrus and combine the zest with the remaining dressing ingredients in a blender with a small jar (or use an immersion blender). Set aside. Peel, section and dice citrus, and shred or grate carrot. Place in a bowl with garbanzo beans, onion, mint and dressing. Toss. The flavors of this salad get better and better. If you have any leftovers, they should keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

The Nutrition Professor's Prep Smart/Cook Smart/Eat Smart Tips:

• Always remember to zest citrus before peeling. Zest can help protect us from skin cancer.

• Because the skin of the carrot is packed with nutrition, there's no need to peel them. Just scrub under running water and use a food processor or box grater to grate or shred. You'll want about 2 cups of carrots for each batch of this recipe.

• If you don't have any red onion on hand, you could substitute scallions.

 Serves 1 to 2