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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Moroccan salad, carrot chickpea salad, vegan salad, gluten free, healthy salad, roasted carrot salad, chickpea salad, easy side dish, Middle Eastern flavors