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Easy Spiced Moroccan Carrot Salad Recipe with Cumin and Harissa

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A quick and easy Moroccan-inspired carrot salad featuring shredded carrots tossed with cumin, harissa, lemon juice, and olive oil for a refreshing and flavorful summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and shredded or julienned
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (or toasted cumin seeds)
  • 1 tablespoon harissa paste (or harissa powder/cayenne pepper to taste)
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small clove fresh garlic, finely minced
  • A small handful fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Peel and shred 4 large carrots using a box grater or mandoline slicer into thin, uniform pieces about 1/8 inch thick.
  2. Toast 1 teaspoon cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Let cool and grind if using whole seeds. Skip if using ground cumin.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon harissa paste, juice of one lemon (about 2 tablespoons), 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots with toasted or ground cumin. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat evenly. Let the carrots soften slightly while tossing for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Chop fresh parsley or cilantro and sprinkle over the salad. Add toasted almonds or pine nuts if desired and toss lightly to distribute.
  6. Serve immediately for a crisp texture or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld and deepen.

Notes

Toast cumin seeds to enhance flavor. Adjust harissa paste amount to control heat level. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for 20-30 minutes to deepen flavors. Use fresh carrots for best texture. Optional nuts add crunch and texture contrast. For nightshade-free version, substitute harissa with smoked paprika and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moroccan carrot salad, spiced carrot salad, cumin carrot salad, harissa salad, summer side dish, easy carrot salad, healthy salad, vegan salad

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-spiced-moroccan-carrot-salad-recipe-with-cumin-and-harissa-perfect-for-summer/