The unbelievable burst of flavors in this Moroccan Carrot Salad will have your taste buds thanking you with each delicious bite.
Warning—prepare your taste buds for an amazing culinary journey that’ll astound you! One taste of this Moroccan carrot salad is all you need to know that something special is happening on your plate. I’m literally out-of-my-mind addicted to this dish, and I’ll tell you why. I’m a Disney girl through and through, and when I’m not writing or cooking, you can find me at the parks, especially Epcot. One of my favorite “countries” to visit is Morocco, and during the year, there are culinary festivals that often feature carrot dishes in Morocco similar in taste to this.
When I consider how much money I spend on small portions compared to making this recipe at home, the choice is clear. You can now find a container of these flavorful carrots in my refrigerator regularly. I even enjoy them with crackers and a dollop or two of black bean hummus.
One of the things I like about Moroccan dining is that the food is served family-style at the table. Salads such as this one often start the meal, remaining until it’s time to serve dessert. That way, you can enjoy them as appetizers and along with your main course.
Moroccan cooking features a wide range of vibrant spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, black pepper, paprika, harissa, cinnamon, and saffron. These spices add bright colors and incredible flavor to foods. An optional spice in the recipe is sumac, which has a subtle, fruity, yet tart, lemony taste. You often find sumac used in za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that is delicious on flatbreads or mixed with olive oil as a bread dip. I actually used za’atar last night to marinate some chicken thighs in olive oil before baking. I can’t possibly describe how good my house still smells today.
Carrots—a versatile vegetable with many uses
It wasn’t until this past year that I began expanding my horizons with carrots. Before then, I enjoyed them raw, with dips, in cakes and muffins, in stews and soups, or candied with butter and honey. Once I tried the festival carrots I mentioned earlier, I knew I needed to explore different ways of preparing these healthy veggies.
You can pickle carrots, roast them with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, purée them for a splash of color on a plate, or turn them into fries or chips. And, if you’ve never had a carrot soufflé, you don’t know what you’re missing.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Moroccan carrot salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It is best eaten sooner, as the salad can get watery as the carrots soften. Do not freeze this recipe, as it will affect the texture.
Serving suggestions
Let this carrot salad be the beginning of a Moroccan feast as you embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean. The bright orange of the carrots contrasts beautifully with the many colors in this Moroccan Couscous, creating a meal that is perfect for a hot summer’s day. The Lamb Kabobs are ideal with the couscous and carrots. If you like things on the spicier side, make a batch of this Harissa to accompany your meal.
Ingredients
- 12 large carrots peeled, trimmed, and cut into 3/4-inch rounds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
- 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon ground sumac optional
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Place the carrots in a large pot, cover with water about 2 inches above the carrots, add salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat slightly and cook until the carrots are tender but still firm, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the carrots well and transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately add the lemon juice, olive oil, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground sumac (if using). Add salt to taste. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.
- Add the chopped cilantro and gently mix. Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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