If you’re looking for a plant-based salad that is anything but boring, then you’ve come to the right place! My Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Carrot Salad with Spiced Lemon Dressing is the most delicious, plant-based salad that is full of so much spice and flavor, you wouldn’t believe that there’s no meat in it! Whenever I share a new salad recipe, it’s important to me to make sure that it’s never boring, because life is way too short to eat boring salads! This salad is proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating the same, boring recipe every single day. So, what are you waiting for?! And if you’re looking for more salad recipes that are anything BUT boring, then I’ve got you.
This salad comes together in two parts: first, with the salad itself, and second, with the dressing. If you’re looking at this ingredient list and thinking to yourself, “this sounds like a lot of ingredients,” I want to assure you that each and every ingredient is SO worth it! This is truly one of my favorite salad recipes, and each ingredient has its own delicious, unique purpose.
You guys…I am so excited to share this very easy and delicious Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad. It’s vegan, gluten-free, so easy to make, and healthy! Which is why I have given it my Newbie Cook stamp of approval. Savory, crunchy, flavorful, and fresh. What I love most about this recipe is the simplicity of these ingredients.
This powerhouse salad was the perfect rejuvenating sassy desk lunch for a struggling birthday princess, and I highly recommend a.) making it ASAFP. This is one of those recipes that I’ll make on the reg for several reasons. First and foremost, the layers of flavor in this salad are glorious. The earthy sweetness of carrots and crispy chickpeas roasted with a combo of warming spices is delightful, yes, but it’s the addition of toasted almonds, fresh parsley and zippy lemon that elevates this dish from “really good” to “holy shit!” Second, it only calls for a handful of basic ingredients (the one mildly obscure requirement is turmeric, which I recommend picking up given its versatility and trendiness) and about 10 minutes of hands on prep. Last but not least, the salad is very pretty (you know I’m a sucker for pretty things) and can be served six sexy ways to Sunday.
Packed with fragrant spices, vibrant colors, and a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors, this Moroccan-spiced carrot and chickpea salad is a feast for the senses. It puts a unique spin on the classic carrot-raisin salad. And the best part? You don’t need any hard-to-find ingredients to make it.
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Here's a quick look at the key ingredients and their roles in this delightful salad:
- Arugula: Arugula is one of my favorite salad greens! It has a mild, peppery flavor that makes for the perfect base for a flavorful salad recipe like this one!
- Shredded Carrots: Carrots are high in vitamins A and C, making them a superfood! Plus, they add such a pretty color to this salad that makes it even more fun to eat!
- Celery: Celery is rich in fiber and has been shown to help lower inflammation levels. But aside from that, it also adds a delicious crunchy texture to salads that is truly unbeatable!
- Red Onion: Diced red onions really add a nice balance of bite and acidity to this salad.
- Mint: Fresh mint is a staple of Moroccan cuisine, and adds a light freshness to this salad
- Raisins or Currants: Raisins are another staple in Moroccan cooking, and add the perfect touch of sweetness to this salad! And if you don’t like raisins, no problem; just substitute with currants instead. Do what feels best for you - after all, that’s what intuitive eating is all about. 🙂
- Walnuts: Walnuts are an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals, and also add a crunchy texture to this recipe.
- Chickpeas: Chickpeas are one of my favorite plant-based sources of protein!
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is my favorite oil to use in salad dressings because it tastes amazing and it’s such a great heart-healthy oil.
- Red Wine Vinegar: I love the flavor of red wine vinegar, so if you have it on hand, make sure to use it!
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the dressing!
- Lemon Juice: In this recipe, we’ll be using the juice of one whole lemon. If you like your dressings more tangy, use a larger-sized lemon!
- Tahini: You already know that I am the self-proclaimed tahini queen, so of course this recipe includes tahini!
- Garlic: As always, I recommend using fresh garlic here. Why? Because it truly adds the best flavor!
- Spices: We’ll be using cumin, sea salt, and black pepper to add some spice and flavor to the dressing.
Here’s a table summarizing the nutritional benefits of some key ingredients:
| Ingredient | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Carrots | High in vitamins A and C, antioxidants |
| Celery | Rich in fiber, lowers inflammation |
| Walnuts | Excellent source of B vitamins and minerals |
| Chickpeas | Plant-based protein source |
This salad couldn’t be any easier! Simply start by preparing / chopping / washing your veggies. Next, in another small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Then pour the dressing over the salad, and enjoy! Serve immediately, or store any leftovers in airtight ingredients for up to three days.
If you plan on meal prepping, and want to have this salad last for the week, prepare the recipe as instructed, but leave out the arugula. Then, add the arugula to the salad once you’re ready to eat it! This ensures that the arugula won’t get soggy.
Moroccan Carrot Chickpea and Quinoa Salad | EASY VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE
Start by washing / chopping / preparing all of your vegetables. Next, add all of your salad ingredients to a large bowl. Set aside. In a smaller bowl, add in all of the dressing ingredients. Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. If meal prepping, store the arugula separately from the rest of the salad.
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The beauty about this healthy Moroccan Chickpea Carrot Salad is that you can mix everything but the cheese together (including the dressing) and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days! As always, an airtight container keeps it lasting as long as possible.
Here are some ideas for varying the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs:
- Nuts & seeds - slivered almonds or sunflower seeds would also be great.
- Dried fruit - try dried cherries or blueberries!
- Chickpeas: This recipe uses canned chickpeas, but if you don’t have on hand you can substitute with another white bean like navy beans or cannellini beans.
- Nuts: If you don’t have almonds you can substitute with toasted walnuts or pecans. Or, make it nut-free by substituting with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Dried fruit: This recipe uses chopped dates, which offers beautiful flavour. However, if you don’t have dates on hand you can substitute with currants/raisins or chopped apricots.
If you like an extra boost of protein in your salads (which, hey, I’m right there with you), then you need to try these delicious protein options! For a Serving of Plant-Based Protein: If you want to keep this salad 100% plant-based, then I highly recommend adding in some of my Perfect Crispy Tofu or my Sweet and Salty Crunchy Chickpeas (because you can never have enough chickpeas!) For a Serving of Animal-Based Protein: And if animal-based protein is more of your jam, then you have to try my Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips. They’re so good in this salad!
This salad recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in the fridge in an air-tight container. So there we have it, a very simple and delicious Moroccan carrot salad with chickpeas that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Be it for dinner or next day lunches. This recipe is healthy, vegan, gluten-free and most importantly - flavour rich! Who says healthy salads need to be boring? Prepare in advance to enjoy through the week, or make a big batch to share. (It’s great for bbq’s and potlucks).
Did you make this Moroccan Chickpea Carrot Salad recipe? If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them!
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Enjoy!
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tags: #Moroccan
