This Moroccan raw carrot salad takes only a few minutes to make, has a short list of ingredients and is packed with flavor. Perfect alongside other dishes as part of lunch, mezze and more.
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I used to make raw carrot salads like this a lot more often, but for whatever reason I haven't much recently. I'm not sure why, as they are so easy and can be tasty too.
My mum used to make a simple carrot salad with raisins in it which I liked, but it was relatively plain. It was fine in small quantities as part of a potluck, but in all honesty, I wouldn't go out of my way to make it.
When I decided to make some eggplant with chermoula not too long ago, I was thinking what to have with it. Given I had some carrots, the idea to make this Moroccan raw carrot salad came to mind, and I'm so glad it did.
What's in a Moroccan salad?
Many Moroccan salads are quite unlike a "salad" as we might typically think of it. Very few use a base of greens, and in fact most don't use a broad range of ingredients. Some are cold, like this, while others can be served warm like zaalouk (a tasty eggplant and tomato salad).
Instead, most focus on one or two main ingredients - often vegetables or beans - and add complimentary flavors. You then enjoy a few different salads together, typically as the start of a meal.
Should Moroccan carrot salad be raw or cooked?
If you've had a Moroccan carrot salad before, you may have had a cooked version. The flavorings are otherwise very similar to this, but of course the texture will be a bit different. You'll find both in Morrocco, and with a few variations as well.
Some use cilantro, others parsley, some include chickpeas or fruits like orange or raisins. Most will include some warm spices like cumin and a good burst of flavor, like a combination of herbs and lemon or harissa.
The quick and easy steps
This is a really quick and easy salad to make as all you do is:
- Grate the carrot.
- Chop the cilantro and add it to the carrot.
- Whisk together the dressing, pour over the carrots and toss.
Being relatively simple, this salad works so well with other dishes as well. You could go the traditional Moroccan way with other salads as an appetizer, or branch out and have it alongside mains, like lamb kofte, grilled chicken or Greek marinated lamb.
For something so simple, this Moroccan raw carrot salad really packs a lot of flavor punch. And whenever you have it, it takes no time to prepare, can be scaled up and down and is a delicious addition to any meal.
Looking for more simple salads? Try these:
- Kisir (Turkish bulgur salad)
- Easy white bean salad
- Apple celeriac salad
- Plus get more side dishes and North African recipes in the archives.
Moroccan raw carrot salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz carrot
- 2 tablespoon cilantro coriander, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ clove garlic
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Peel and coarsely grate the carrots. Finely chop the cilantro.
- Whisk/stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, garlic and salt. Pour ver the carrot and mix through well. Add the cilantro, mix and serve or chill until needed.
Nutrition
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Marylin Parkin says
Lovely salad, fresh and delicious. I had to sub parsley, ran out of cilantro
Caroline's Cooking says
So glad you enjoyed it! And yes parsley works well as a substitute (though obviously slightly different flavor and I'd still say cilantro if at all possible).
Maria says
Just made this as I had fresh carrots to use up. Did not have cilantro - but drizzled a little chili/onion crunch on top for a spice note. Clean and delicious.
Caroline's Cooking says
Glad you enjoyed! I can see the spice working, too, though I do recommend trying with the cilantro some time as it adds a lovely freshness.
Katie says
Such a simple recipe, but using the carrot as your base allows the other flavors to shine through. So good!!
Caroline's Cooking says
I agree, the additional flavors really work so well.
Kristen says
So simple, flavorful, and delicious! Made it for dinner tonight Had to sub parsley for the cilantro since it’s all I had — it was delicious. I will definitely make this again.
Caroline's Cooking says
So glad you enjoyed! The cilantro definitely adds a nice flavor and freshness but agree parsley is a good sub, the other flavors are the main ones that make it. I need to make it again myself soon!
Edyta says
I love raw carrots salad. The addition of cumin and cilantro made it super delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I agree the flavors are so tasty.
Elizabeth Leaver says
Oh, I have a tagine recipe that this carrot salad would go perfectly with! I love simple recipes like this that allow the ingredients to shine, plus the crunchy texture is fab!
Caroline's Cooking says
Sounds perfect indeed!