Chilled Moroccan-Spiced Carrot Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this refreshing Raw Vegan Moroccan-Spiced Carrot Salad. Crisp, coarsely grated carrots are combined with aromatic spices, zesty lemon juice, and fresh herbs, creating a deliciously tangy and satisfying dish. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side at your next gathering, this salad not only delights your palate but also offers a burst of nutrition. The marinade time allows the flavors to deepen and the carrots to absorb the spices, resulting in a dish that's both nourishing and full of life. A fantastic introduction to Mediterranean cuisine, enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature for maximum refreshment.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
carrot
1 lb (coarsely grated (about 4 cups))
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
fresh lemon juice
3-4 tablespoons (squeezed from fresh lemons)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2-4 (mashed)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
sumac
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 pinch (none)
harissa (or alternative)
about 1/2 teaspoon (for optional spiciness)
Instructions
1
Begin by coarsely grating the carrots and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, sumac, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful dressing.
3
Add the chopped fresh cilantro and mashed garlic cloves to the dressing, mixing thoroughly.
4
Pour the dressing over the grated carrots and toss well to ensure all the carrots are evenly coated with the spice mix.
5
For an extra kick, add your choice of harissa, minced green chilies, or cayenne pepper, adjusting according to your spice preference.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but up to 2 days for optimum flavor melding.
7
Serve chilled or let it come to room temperature before serving. Enjoy this delightful salad on its own or as a side dish to complement your favorite Mediterranean dishes.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Moroccan-Spiced Carrot Salad?
It is a refreshing raw vegan dish featuring coarsely grated carrots mixed with traditional Moroccan spices like cumin, cinnamon, and sumac.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for those following a raw vegan lifestyle.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this Moroccan carrot salad are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 225 calories in one serving of this salad.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 17.5g of fat per serving, primarily from the extra virgin olive oil.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving of this salad provides 15g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This dish contains 3g of protein per serving.
How should I prepare the carrots for this salad?
You should coarsely grate about 1 lb of carrots, which should yield approximately 4 cups.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 3 to 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, squeezed directly from lemons.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of fresh, chopped cilantro.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe suggests 2 to 4 mashed garlic cloves depending on your preference.
What are the primary spices in the dressing?
The dressing is made with 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon sumac.
How long should the salad marinate?
The salad should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to deepen.
What is the maximum time I can marinate the salad?
The flavors meld optimally if marinated for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add about 1/2 teaspoon of harissa, minced green chilies, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is intended to be served chilled or at room temperature for maximum refreshment.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients including the optional harissa.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, sumac, and salt, then stir in the garlic and cilantro.
What can I use if I do not have sumac?
While sumac adds a unique tartness, you could use extra lemon zest as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, preparing this dish ahead of time is recommended as the marinating process improves the taste.
Is there any added sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar; its sweetness comes naturally from the carrots.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact serving count is not specified, 1 lb of carrots typically serves 4 people as a side dish.
What is the origin of this salad style?
This salad is inspired by Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine.
Should the garlic be minced or mashed?
The recipe recommends using mashed garlic cloves for a thorough blend into the dressing.
Does this recipe require any cooking?
No cooking is required as this is a raw vegan recipe.
How should I store the salad while it marinates?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the refrigerator.
Is this salad high in sodium?
The recipe only uses a pinch of salt, making it relatively low in sodium depending on your adjustment.
Is this salad a good side dish?
Yes, it is a vibrant and nutritious side that complements many Mediterranean dishes.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a coarse grater, a large mixing bowl, a small bowl for whisking, and a whisk.