Moroccan Carrot Chickpea Salad

$- 2 large carrots, finely grated - 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, well-drained and rinsed - 1/4 cup red onion, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste I love using fresh ingredients for this salad. The large carrots add a sweet crunch. Canned chickpeas bring protein and heartiness. Red onion gives a nice bite. Fresh parsley adds a pop of green and flavor. Dried cranberries or raisins lend a hint of sweetness. Spices and seasonings are key to this dish. Ground cumin adds warmth, while ground cinnamon gives a touch of sweetness. Smoked paprika deepens the flavor, making it rich and savory. When it comes to dressings, I use extra virgin olive oil for a fruity note. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the whole dish. Salt and pepper are essential for balancing all the flavors. Enjoy mixing these ingredients together! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Grate the carrots. - Rinse and drain the chickpeas. - Mince the red onion. Start by grating two large carrots. This gives the salad a nice crunch and bright color. Next, grab a can of chickpeas. Rinse them well under cold water and drain. This step removes extra salt and improves taste. Then, finely mince a quarter cup of red onion. Chop it small to mix well in the salad. - Combine grated carrots, chickpeas, and red onion in a bowl. - Fold in parsley and dried cranberries or raisins. In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots, drained chickpeas, and minced onion. Stir gently to combine. Now, chop a quarter cup of fresh parsley. Add the parsley to the bowl. For a sweet touch, fold in some dried cranberries or raisins. This adds a lovely contrast to the earthy flavors. - Whisk together spices, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the spices. You need ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well blended. - Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture. - Toss until well coated. - Adjust seasoning to taste. Now, drizzle the dressing over your salad mix. Use a spatula to toss everything carefully. Make sure all ingredients are coated in the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. - Allow salad to sit for flavor melding. Let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend beautifully. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this vibrant dish at your next meal! - Adjust seasonings for your taste. Add more cumin or lemon juice if you like. - Fresh herbs make a big difference. Try using mint or cilantro for a zestier flavor. - Serve this salad in a colorful bowl to brighten your table. - Garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle some seeds on top for a nice look. - Prepare the carrots, chickpeas, and onions ahead of time for quick meals. - Store the dressing in a separate jar until you are ready to serve. Pro Tips Grate Carrots Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, grate the carrots just before mixing them into the salad. This keeps them crisp and vibrant. Chill the Salad: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour after preparing. This enhances the flavors and makes for a refreshing dish. Add Nuts for Crunch: Consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios to the salad right before serving for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of coriander can add an exciting twist! {{image_4}} You can change the legumes in this salad. Try using black beans instead of chickpeas. They add a different taste and texture. You can also play with dried fruits. Swap cranberries for raisins or apricots for a new flavor twist. For a creamier dressing, add tahini. It brings a nice richness to the salad. You can also switch up the vinegar. Try apple cider vinegar or balsamic for a fresh tang. Each option offers a unique flavor profile. Looking for more creaminess? Add avocado. It pairs well with the other ingredients. If you want crunch, throw in some nuts. Almonds or walnuts add a lovely texture. These small changes can elevate your salad experience. Store your Moroccan carrot chickpea salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge for optimal freshness. The cool temperature helps the flavors stay bright and tasty. You can keep this salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. I love it alongside grilled meats for a balanced meal. It also works well as a light meal on its own. Enjoy the colorful mix of flavors! Yes, you can make this salad in advance. When you let it sit, the flavors blend well. This resting time enhances the taste. I recommend letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours. This way, the salad becomes even more delicious. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. It uses simple ingredients like carrots and chickpeas. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and do not contain gluten. You can enjoy this salad without worries if you follow a gluten-free diet. This salad is already vegan. All the ingredients are plant-based. The chickpeas, carrots, and spices work together to create a tasty dish. If you want to add more texture, consider including nuts or seeds. This salad offers many health benefits. Carrots are high in vitamins A and C. They help keep your eyes healthy and boost your immune system. Chickpeas are full of protein and fiber, which support digestion. Fresh parsley adds vitamins and minerals, making this salad a nutritious choice. Plus, the olive oil contains healthy fats. This salad blends fresh carrots, chickpeas, and a vibrant dressing. You learned how to prepare it step by step, with tips for flavor and presentation. Remember to adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Explore ingredient swaps for variety and enjoy its health benefits. This salad stays fresh for three days in the fridge. It’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. With this guide, you can create a colorful, nutritious dish anytime. Enjoy your culinary adventure!$

Moroccan Carrot Chickpea Salad

A vibrant salad featuring grated carrots, chickpeas, and a medley of spices, perfect for a refreshing side dish.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine Moroccan

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 large carrots, finely grated
1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, well-drained and rinsed
1 4 cup red onion, minced
1 4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
1 4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1 4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the finely grated carrots, rinsed chickpeas, and minced red onion. Give them a gentle mix to combine.
Fold in the chopped fresh parsley and the dried cranberries or raisins, adding a delightful layer of sweetness to the mix.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, and use a spatula to toss everything carefully until all ingredients are fully coated in the dressing.
Take a moment to taste the salad, adjusting with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed, until you reach your desired flavor balance.
Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, which will help the flavors meld beautifully. This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve in a colorful bowl and consider garnishing with fresh herbs or nuts for added texture.

Keyword carrots, chickpeas, healthy, salad, vegan