Moroccan Carrot Salad Recipe

Introduction

Moroccan Carrot Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for adding a fresh twist to your meal with crunchy peanuts and a zesty harissa dressing.

A white bowl filled with a colorful shredded carrot salad, the base layer made of bright orange shredded carrots, mixed with light brown raisins and topped with scattered pale beige peanuts. Fresh green cilantro leaves and small rings of green spring onions are sprinkled evenly on top, adding freshness and texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, showing the vibrant colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. carrots, peeled and grated (about 3 cups)
  • 3/4 cup golden raisins
  • 3/4 cup peanuts
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons harissa
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss together the grated carrots, golden raisins, peanuts, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, harissa, honey, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground cumin until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  4. Step 4: Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or let it chill for flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

  • Replace peanuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch and flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the dressing for extra warmth and depth.
  • For extra freshness, fold in some chopped fresh mint or parsley along with the cilantro.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of harissa or substitute it with mild chili powder.

Storage

Store the carrot salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time. Before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a colorful shredded carrot salad. The salad has layers of bright orange grated carrots as the base, mixed with light green chopped spring onions, pale brown peanuts scattered on top, and fresh dark green cilantro leaves giving contrast. The textures show the crunchiness of peanuts, the softness of carrots, and the leafy greens. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be prepared a few hours or even a day ahead. Storing it in the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just toss it again before serving.

Is there a substitute for harissa if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have harissa, you can use a combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a little cayenne pepper to mimic its spicy, smoky flavor.

Print
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Moroccan Carrot Salad Recipe


  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and refreshing Moroccan Carrot Salad featuring grated carrots tossed with golden raisins, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs, all dressed in a zesty harissa-lime vinaigrette. This salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a delightful side dish or light meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 1 lb. carrots, peeled and grated (about 3 cups)
  • 3/4 cup golden raisins
  • 3/4 cup peanuts
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp harissa
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and grated carrots, golden raisins, peanuts, freshly chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions. Toss gently to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
  2. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, harissa, honey, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and ground cumin until well emulsified and smooth.
  3. Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every ingredient with the flavorful dressing. Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, roast the peanuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
  • Adjust the amount of harissa to control the spiciness of the salad.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and chilled to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • To make it vegan, substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
  • Add a handful of chopped fresh mint for an extra layer of freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Keywords: Moroccan carrot salad, carrot salad with harissa, healthy carrot salad, easy no-cook salad, North African salad, vegetarian salad recipe

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