Moroccan Carrot Chickpea Salad
Moroccan Carrot Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that features sweet, tender carrots paired with hearty chickpeas and a zesty blend of Moroccan-inspired spices. This healthy salad is easy to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic favorite.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel and grate or finely shred the carrots so they mix seamlessly with the other ingredients and absorb the dressing fully.
- Drain and Rinse Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined and aromatic.
- Toss the Salad: Combine the grated carrots, chickpeas, and chopped parsley in a large bowl, then pour the dressing over and toss thoroughly to coat every bite.
- Let It Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor, preferably recently opened or freshly ground cumin and cinnamon.
- Grate carrots finely to help the dressing cling better and improve texture.
- Adjust acidity by starting with less lemon juice and adding more if desired for a tangier taste.
- Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature; chilling enhances the refreshing quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Moroccan salad, carrot salad, chickpea salad, vegan salad, gluten free, healthy salad, easy salad, Mediterranean salad