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Moroccan Carrot Chickpea Salad

Moroccan Carrot Chickpea Salad

The Moroccan Carrot Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make dish bursting with fresh, bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Combining tender roasted carrots, hearty chickpeas, and a blend of Moroccan spices, this salad offers a delightful texture and is perfect as a light meal, side dish, or appetizer that’s both visually appealing and packed with nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Legumes

  • 2 cups fresh peeled carrots, sliced or julienned
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or equivalent cooked chickpeas)

Fresh Herbs

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a pinch)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons good-quality olive oil

Optional Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Peel and slice the carrots into thin sticks or rounds. Lightly steam or roast them until just tender but still retaining some crunch for an enjoyable texture in the salad.
  2. Rinse and Drain Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and canned taste, then drain well to keep them firm and fresh.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon until well blended to create a vibrant dressing.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked carrots, chickpeas, and chopped parsley and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and mixed well.
  5. Add Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds of your choice on top to add satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness and spices in the salad.

Notes

  • Use fresh carrots for better texture and natural sweetness compared to pre-shredded options.
  • Adjust cinnamon and paprika quantities to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Allow the salad to sit for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  • Lightly toast nuts like almonds or pistachios to enhance their crunch and flavor.
  • Do not skip the lemon juice — its acidity balances the dish’s earthy and sweet notes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moroccan salad, carrot chickpea salad, vegan salad, gluten free, healthy salad, roasted carrot salad, chickpea salad, easy side dish, Middle Eastern flavors