​French Carrot Salad

¼ cup grated or finely chopped red onion (optional)
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil (or a mix of the two)
2 to 3 tablespoons buttermilk
2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon ground lightly toasted cumin seeds
 Salt and black pepper
1 pound carrots, peeled and grated
¼ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and coarsely chopped

Place the onions, if using, in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 15 minutes, drain, rinse with cold water, then pat dry using a paper towel.
Meanwhile, make the dressing: Whisk together the oil, buttermilk, lemon juice, mustard, curry powder and cumin in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.
Add the carrots, parsley, capers and drained onions, if using, and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate before serving (I recommend making this 30 minutes to 1 hour ahead, then tossing again just before serving).