Moroccan Carrot Salad Recipe
Introduction
Moroccan Carrot Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines sweet, spicy, and tangy elements in every bite. Perfect as a refreshing side or a light snack, this salad brings together bold spices, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs for a delightful taste of North African cuisine.

Ingredients
- 1 lb. carrots, peeled and grated (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 3/4 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons harissa
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, golden raisins, peanuts, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, harissa, honey, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground cumin until well combined. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the peanuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Adjust the amount of harissa to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Add chopped fresh mint for a cooling contrast to the spicy dressing.
- Substitute peanuts with toasted almonds or cashews for a different crunch.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors develop well over time, but the peanuts may lose their crunch. Bring to room temperature before serving, or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making the salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld, but add the peanuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Is harissa very spicy?
Harissa varies in heat but generally has a moderate spiciness. You can start with less and adjust to your taste.
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Moroccan Carrot Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Moroccan Carrot Salad features grated carrots tossed with golden raisins, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs, all dressed in a zesty, spicy harissa and lime dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful side dish that combines sweet, tangy, and spicy elements with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb. carrots, peeled and grated (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 3/4 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp harissa
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and grated carrots, golden raisins, peanuts, freshly chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions. Toss these ingredients together to mix thoroughly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, harissa, honey, fresh lime juice and zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground cumin until well combined and smooth.
- Combine and Season: Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot mixture, then toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, tossing once more to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely.
- To make this salad spicier, increase the amount of harissa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Letting the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld better.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be served as a vibrant side dish on its own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Keywords: Moroccan carrot salad, harissa carrot salad, grated carrot salad, Middle Eastern salad, vegetarian salad, healthy side dish

