Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

This Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan) is a vibrant dish that brings together the earthy flavors of lentils, sweet carrots, and fresh mint. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side salad at gatherings, this salad is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. The warm spices and sweet raisins create a delightful contrast, making it a standout addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich lentils and fiber-filled carrots, this salad supports a balanced diet.
• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Flavorful Twist: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates an explosion of flavors that will impress your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with pita bread and hummus for a complete meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: This salad stays fresh for days in the fridge, making it perfect for weekly meal planning.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan), you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar with lid
• Grater
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining all your ingredients without spills.
• Whisk or jar with lid: This tool makes it easy to blend the dressing thoroughly—just shake or whisk until smooth.

Ingredients

This Moroccan lentil carrot salad with mint, raisins, nuts, and warmly spiced dressing is the perfect side salad or light lunch paired with pita and hummus.

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked French green lentils (from 1 cup dry lentils)
• 4 cups peeled and grated carrots (from 8 medium carrots, OR use 2 cups grated carrots and 2 cups shredded kale)
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 1/2 a medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, pepitas, or sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
• A large handful of chopped kale (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

How to Make Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Combine the cooked lentils, shredded carrots, red onion, celery, mint, raisins, nuts or seeds, olives (if using), and kale (if using) in a large bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients. This includes extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), sea salt, black pepper, dijon mustard, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the prepared salad. Toss everything together until all components are coated evenly with the dressing. Taste your salad; add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Step 4: Serve Your Salad

Serve immediately alongside pita bread and hummus if desired. If you have leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. Consider adding extra lemon juice before enjoying leftovers to refresh the flavors!

How to Serve Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

Serving Moroccan lentil carrot salad is a delightful experience, as it complements various dishes and can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Pita and Hummus

• Enjoy this salad alongside warm pita bread and creamy hummus for a satisfying light lunch or snack.

Add Fresh Greens

• Serve the salad on a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens to elevate the presentation and add extra nutrients.

Garnish with Extra Herbs

• Sprinkle additional fresh mint or parsley on top just before serving to enhance the flavor and freshness of your Moroccan lentil carrot salad.

Use as a Filling

• Utilize the salad as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. It pairs wonderfully with whole grain wraps for a healthy, portable meal.

Serve as a Cold Salad

• This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Drizzle with Extra Dressing

• For added flavor, consider drizzling a bit more dressing over the top before serving. This keeps the salad vibrant and flavorful.

How to Perfect Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

To make the best version of Moroccan lentil carrot salad, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste your dressing and adjust lemon juice and spices according to your preference.
• Let it Marinate – Allowing the salad to sit for 30 minutes before serving lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
• Choose Quality Olive Oil – Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the overall taste of your dressing.
• Add Crunch – Incorporate toasted nuts or seeds right before serving for an added crunch.
• Experiment with Textures – Try adding roasted chickpeas for extra protein and texture variation.

Best Side Dishes for Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

When planning your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with Moroccan lentil carrot salad. They provide variety and complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Couscous with Vegetables – Fluffy couscous tossed with sautéed seasonal vegetables creates a hearty side dish.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Crispy roasted sweet potatoes bring sweetness that balances the spice of the salad.
3. Grilled Vegetable Skewers – Colorful skewers made from zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add a smoky flavor.
4. Quinoa Tabbouleh – A refreshing quinoa tabbouleh brings brightness and complements the spices in the salad.
5. Chickpea Salad – A simple chickpea salad with lemon and herbs adds protein while keeping things light.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice, vegetables, and spices offer an appealing presentation along with great taste.
7. Tabbouleh Made with Bulgur – This traditional dish made from bulgur wheat provides a chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully with your salad.
8. Grilled Eggplant Slices – Smoky grilled eggplant slices add depth of flavor that pairs nicely with Moroccan cuisine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan), it’s easy to overlook some key aspects. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your salad can result in bland flavors. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially with salt and lemon juice.
• Using dry lentils: Always use cooked lentils for this recipe. Cooking them ahead of time helps maintain their texture and flavor in the salad.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less dressing and add more gradually to achieve your desired flavor.
• Ignoring freshness: Using wilted herbs or old vegetables can compromise the dish’s freshness. Always opt for fresh ingredients to enhance taste and quality.
• Forgetting about texture: A balance of textures is crucial. Include crunchy elements like nuts or seeds to complement the softness of the lentils and carrots.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep it refrigerated at all times.

Freezing Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months if necessary.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan).

What makes Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad unique?

The combination of spices like cumin and cinnamon gives this salad a distinct Moroccan flair, while ingredients like mint and raisins add freshness and sweetness.

Can I customize this Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables, swap nuts for seeds, or adjust spices based on your preferences.

How do I serve Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)?

This salad pairs wonderfully with pita bread and hummus. It can also be served as a side dish or light lunch on its own.

Is Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan) healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with protein from lentils, vitamins from carrots, and healthy fats from nuts, making it a nutritious option.

How long does Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad last?

In an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad will last up to 4 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Final Thoughts

Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan) is not only delicious but also versatile. Its unique blend of flavors makes it perfect for any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!

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Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Enjoy a refreshing Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan) bursting with flavors! Perfect as a side or light meal. Try it today!

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups cooked French green lentils
• 4 cups grated carrots
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, grated carrots, diced celery, red onion, chopped mint, raisins, and nuts or seeds.
2. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and minced garlic until fully combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are coated evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg