Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

If you’re looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that brightens up any meal, let me introduce you to my beloved Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan). This salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, combining tender lentils with sweet carrots, crunchy nuts, and fresh mint. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something healthy yet satisfying. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pita and hummus for a complete lunch or dinner!

Every ingredient in this Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is chosen with care to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The warm spices and the sweetness from raisins bring an exotic flair that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad comes together in no time!
• Nutritious and filling: Packed with protein from lentils and healthy fats from nuts, it’s a complete meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Customizable: Enjoy it as is or add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.
• Vibrant flavors: The combination of spices and fresh herbs creates a refreshing taste explosion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad features simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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, but highly recommended for a salty punch)
• A large handful of chopped kale (optional)
• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

• Add more greens: Toss in some baby spinach or arugula for an extra nutrient boost.
• Switch up the nuts: Use almonds or pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more chili flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños.
• Incorporate seasonal veggies: Feel free to add in bell peppers or cucumbers during warmer months.

How to Make Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

Step 1: Combine the Veggies

Start by combining the cooked lentils, shredded carrots, red onion, celery, mint, raisins, nuts or seeds, olives (if using), and kale (if desired) in a large bowl. This step lays the foundation of your salad. Mixing these ingredients gives each bite a wonderful blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In another bowl or jar, combine the dressing ingredients: 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. Whisking these together until smooth creates a flavorful dressing that will elevate your salad.

Step 3: Dress Your Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste it! If you’d like more brightness in flavor, feel free to add another tablespoon of lemon juice—this step is all about personal preference.

Step 4: Serve It Up!

Your Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is ready to be enjoyed! I love serving it alongside warm pita bread and creamy hummus. If there are leftovers (which might be hard because it’s so tasty!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to add a splash more lemon juice before serving again; it really brings those flavors back to life!

Pro Tips for Making Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

Creating a delicious Moroccan lentil carrot salad is easy and rewarding, especially with these helpful tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality vegetables enhance the overall flavor of your salad. It makes a world of difference when everything is vibrant and full of life.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients. Adding more lemon juice or spices can brighten the flavors, making it perfectly suited to your taste.
• Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you have time, this step can elevate your dish even further!
• Experiment with textures: Consider mixing in other crunchy elements like sliced radishes or bell peppers for a delightful contrast in texture. This keeps each bite interesting and enjoyable.
• Store properly: To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. As mentioned earlier, refreshing with a bit more lemon juice before enjoying will reignite those flavors!

How to Serve Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)

This vibrant salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing! Present it in a colorful bowl or platter for an inviting table display.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of extra mint or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Toasted nuts or seeds: Adding a few toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds on top gives an enticing crunch.

Side Dishes

• Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up the salad and adds an enjoyable chewy texture.
• Hummus: Creamy hummus complements the salad beautifully, providing a rich spread that balances out the dish’s freshness.
• Tabbouleh: This herby grain salad made from bulgur wheat and parsley offers additional brightness and pairs wonderfully with the Moroccan flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth to your meal – try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and herbs!

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience centered around your Moroccan lentil carrot salad! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for busy weeks when you want a healthy and flavorful dish ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
• If you find the flavors have mellowed, simply add a splash more lemon juice before serving.

Freezing

• While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the salad without the dressing for up to a month.
• To freeze, place the salad ingredients (without dressing) in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving; add fresh dressing once defrosted.

Reheating

• This salad is typically enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat.
• Avoid overheating, as it can change the texture of the lentils and carrots.

FAQs

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

Can I prepare Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan) in advance?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to add more lemon juice before serving to refresh the flavors!

What variations can I try with Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)?

You can customize this salad by adding other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, or switch up the nuts and seeds based on your preference. The dressing can also be adjusted by adding more spices or herbs according to your taste.

How healthy is Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad (Vegan)?

This salad is packed with nutrients! It’s high in protein from lentils, rich in fiber from carrots, and loaded with vitamins from fresh herbs. It makes a wholesome addition to any meal or a satisfying light lunch on its own.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad as much as I do! Its vibrant flavors and textures make it truly special. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or a light lunch paired with pita and hummus, it’s sure to brighten your table. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and flavor!