Add vibrant flavor to your table with this Moroccan Carrot Salad—tender carrots in a lemon-garlic-olive oil dressing, warm spices, and fresh herbs. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and make-ahead friendly. Toss while warm for maximum flavor, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Moroccan Carrot Salad — Fresh, Flavorful & Make‑Ahead Friendly
Looking for a vibrant, easy-to-make side that elevates any meal? This Moroccan carrot salad—with tender carrot slices bathed in a lemon‑garlic‑olive oil dressing, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs—ticks all the boxes. It's naturally vegan, gluten‑free, and grain‑free, making it versatile for any table. What makes it truly shine? Tossing the carrots while still warm helps them soak in the bold flavors—and even better, this salad improves after resting, making it an ideal make-ahead side for gatherings or weeknight meals.
🌍 What Are Moroccan Carrots?
Moroccan carrots (Khizou Mchermel)—also known as carottes marocaine—are a popular North African dish, traditionally made with tender carrots tossed in a zesty vinaigrette infused with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and sometimes cinnamon or harissa. Often served chilled or at room temperature, they’re a staple in Moroccan cuisine.
This spiced carrot salad combines the natural sweetness of cooked carrots with bold, aromatic flavors, fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, and a bright hit of lemon and garlic. While every region (and family) has their own twist, the result is always the same: a flavorful, make-ahead dish that tastes even better over time.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Carrot Salad
- Quick & Simple — Ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
- Flavor-Packed — Warm spices, zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs create a delicious complexity.
- Make-Ahead Friendly — Flavors amplify over time—perfect to prepare ahead.
- Perfect for Any Occasion — Great at room temperature or chilled—ideal for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Diet-Friendly — Naturally vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free.
🛒 Ingredients for Moroccan Spiced Carrot Salad
- Carrots - Use medium carrots for sweet flavor and even cooking; slice uniformly for consistent texture.
- Extra‑virgin olive oil - High-quality oil enriches the dressing.
- Fresh lemon juice - Brightens the dish.
- Garlic clove - Adds depth—finely grated for optimal flavor.
- Ground cumin - Essential Moroccan warmth—do not skip.
- Paprika - Adds mild spice, flavor and color.
- Cayenne pepper - Adds heat—adjust to preference.
- Fine sea salt - Enhances flavors—adjust to taste.
- Chopped fresh cilantro - Brightens the salad.
- Chopped fresh parsley - Offers freshness.
👩🍳 How to Make Moroccan Carrot Salad (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the Carrots — Boil in salted water until just tender, about 6–8 minutes.
- Prepare the Dressing — Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices, and salt in a large bowl.
- Steam Off Excess Water — Drain carrots and return to pot for a few minutes to steam dry.
- Dress While Warm — Add the warm carrots to the bowl, tossing them in the dressing immediately.
- Add Herbs and Toss — Stir in cilantro and parsley until evenly coated.
- Rest and Serve — Let the salad sit 10–15 minutes to develop flavor. Serve at room temperature or chill.
🌿 Flavor Tips, Variations & Ingredient Swaps
- Texture Play: Use coin, diagonal, or roll cuts for varied aesthetics—just keep cuts uniform.
- Switch Up the Acid: For a sweeter touch, try orange juice or red wine vinegar.
- Herb Swaps: Use all parsley/cilantro to suit your taste.
- Spice Variation: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
🧊 Storage Tips & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Fridge Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Flavor Deepens: The salad tastes even better after a few hours or overnight.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended—best enjoyed fresh or chilled.
📝 Final Thoughts on This Moroccan Carrot Salad
This Moroccan Carrot Salad is a flavor-forward salad that’s both effortless and elegant. With just a few fresh ingredients and spices, you get a vibrant dish that’s satisfying, nutritious, and versatile. The combination of warm spices, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs makes it a standout.
The best part? It gets even better with time, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, or entertaining. If you're looking for a refreshing change from leafy greens, this spiced carrot salad is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Whether you're planning a gathering or elevating your weekday meals, this salad delivers big on taste and convenience.
Have you tried it? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag @gourmandeinthekitchen on Instagram — I’d love to see how you serve it!
More Carrot Recipes:
Moroccan Carrot Salad
This vibrant and delicious Moroccan carrot salad is an easy make-ahead dish that packs up nicely for lunches, picnics and outdoor parties.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds/681g carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-½ inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon/15ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated on a microplane
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛th teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (stems removed)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook until tender (about 6-8 minutes).
- Meanwhile in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices and salt.
- Drain carrots, return to pot for a few minutes to steam off excess water then add to bowl with dressing while still warm.
- Toss carrots to coat with dressing, add the cilantro and parsley and toss again. Let carrots sit for 10-15 minutes and serve at room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
variations:
Use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice if desired. Use all cilantro or all parsley if desired.
storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
dietary info:
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, No Refined Sugar
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 144Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 189mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
tanya says
I'm sure this salad tastes as pretty as it looks!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
This looks beautiful! Love all of those ribbons. Pinning.
The Food Hunter says
This salad is beautiful and I love the spices in it
linda spiker says
Fabulous and beautiful salad! Pinned!
DessertForTwo says
This sounds incredible! I love dates so much, and it's about time I have them in a savory dish!
Catherine says
This salad looks wonderful! What a beautiful presentation! I love the spices and flavors..perfect! xoxo, Catherine
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
This is such a genius and simple idea! Love it!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons says
Such a beautiful healthy salad! Can't wait to try it!
Renee Kohley says
oh those flavors sound amazing! and it is so pretty! love the ribbons - it makes it easier for kids to eat - great idea I think i will try it for the girls!
Rosa says
That looks delicious! A lovely combo of colours and flavours.
Cheers,
Rosa