Zesty Moroccan Date and Carrot Salad
This vibrant Zesty Moroccan Date and Carrot Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that brings together the sweet flavors of fresh dates, juicy oranges, and crunchy carrots, all elevated by the fragrant essence of orange blossom water. Perfect for a light lunch or as a sensational side dish for your Mediterranean feast, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful contrast, making it a standout choice for any meal. Enjoy the sunny tastes of the Mediterranean, inspired by traditional Moroccan ingredients, in under 15 minutes!
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bibb lettuce
1 head (washed and separated)
carrots
2 (finely grated)
fresh figs
4 ounces (pitted and cut into eighths lengthwise)
toasted whole almonds
1/4 cup (chopped)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
orange flower water
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by gently washing and separating the leaves of the bibb lettuce, then arrange the leaves elegantly on individual serving plates as a bed for the salad.
2
Finely grate the carrots and create a small mound on top of each lettuce base for a vibrant orange burst.
3
Peel the oranges and slice them into segments, then delicately arrange them around the grated carrots for a beautiful presentation.
4
Cut the fresh figs into eighths lengthwise and layer them generously on top of the salad. Their natural sweetness will complement the other ingredients perfectly.
5
Sprinkle the chopped toasted almonds over the figs to add a satisfying crunch to the dish.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, salt, and orange flower water until well combined. This dressing will enhance the flavors of your salad beautifully.
7
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the assembled salad, allowing it to coat each ingredient.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
10
Carbs
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Moroccan Date and Carrot Salad?
This is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad that combines the sweet flavors of fresh fruit with crunchy carrots and a fragrant orange blossom dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The salad features bibb lettuce, carrots, fresh figs, toasted almonds, oranges, and a dressing made of lemon juice and orange flower water.
Is the Zesty Moroccan Date and Carrot Salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 70 calories per serving of this salad.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is very quick and can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
The recipe calls for one head of bibb lettuce, which provides a soft and elegant base for the other ingredients.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be finely grated to create a vibrant orange burst on top of the lettuce base.
Does this recipe include oranges?
Yes, while the ingredient list focuses on the dressing and figs, the instructions specify peeling oranges and slicing them into segments for the salad.
What type of nuts are used for the crunch?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped toasted whole almonds to provide a satisfying crunch.
What is orange flower water?
Orange flower water, also known as orange blossom water, is a fragrant distillation of bitter orange blossoms commonly used in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cooking.
How do you make the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of orange flower water.
Can I use dates instead of figs?
While the ingredient list specifically mentions fresh figs, the title and tags suggest dates are a perfect alternative or complement to this dish.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This salad contains 3 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the toasted almonds.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain protein?
Yes, there are 2 grams of protein per serving.
How do I assemble the salad?
Layer the lettuce first, then the grated carrots, orange segments, figs, and almonds before drizzling with the dressing.
Is the lemon juice used fresh?
Yes, for the best flavor, the recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How do I cut the figs?
The fresh figs should be pitted and cut into eighths lengthwise for a beautiful presentation.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
It is best served as a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger Mediterranean feast.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal, being low in calories and packed with fresh fruits and vegetables.
What kind of sugar is used in the dressing?
One teaspoon of granulated sugar is used to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
Is this salad refreshing?
Yes, the combination of citrus, minty-fresh orange blossom water, and crisp vegetables makes it highly refreshing.
How do I prepare the bibb lettuce?
You should gently wash and separate the leaves, then arrange them elegantly on individual plates.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust it to taste.
What is the serving size?
While the exact serving size isn't specified, the recipe uses 1 head of lettuce and 2 carrots, intended for individual serving plates.
Can I make this for a party?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and quick preparation make it an excellent choice for entertaining guests.
Are the almonds toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using toasted whole almonds that have been chopped.
Does the recipe contain cholesterol?
No, the nutritional data indicates no cholesterol, as it contains no animal products.
Is orange flower water mandatory?
It is a key ingredient for the signature Moroccan flavor profile, but the salad will still be tasty with just the citrus dressing if you cannot find it.