This Moroccan Carrot Salad is raw and tossed with cilantro, oranges, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. A healthy and delicious side dish that’s a crowd pleaser.
This raw carrot salad recipe is quick and tasty, making a great companion to Mediterranean or Moroccan-inspired dishes, such as lamb couscous or stufato di manzo.
Why you will love this recipe?
- Naturally sweet and zesty – The mix of sweet carrots and bright citrus creates a flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- No cooking needed – Chop, mix, and serve. It’s the kind of salad that makes itself.
- Simple and done in less than 20 minutes with minimal budget-friendly ingredients
Moroccan Carrot Salad Ingredients
Carrot
Sweet and fresh carrots are the best. I prefer organic and local. Carrots naturally sweeten the salad, and you can choose from different varieties, including baby carrots.
I just used a shredder to grate them, you can also use a food processor or a peeler to make ribbons.
Oranges
Juicy oranges add a sweet, citrusy flavor to the salad. Packed with vitamin C, they also have immune-boosting properties.
I didn’t use any sweetener in this recipe, as I found the combination of sweet carrots with sweet oranges to be sufficient. You can add maple syrup to adjust the sweetness.
Coriander
Fresh coriander, often mixed with parsley and known as cilantro, makes a great addition to this salad.. I like to use it in other longevity recipes, such as Sopa Negra or Costa Rican Chifrijo for its fresh, citrusy flavor and antioxidant properties.
Lime Juice
Lime juice adds a zesty kick, but you can also use lemon juice, white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar instead.
Red onion
The red color and slightly sweet, peppery taste of red onion are perfect for this salad. If you find it too strong, you can skip it or replace it with a milder flavor of yellow onion.
Spices
I’m a big fan of healthy Moroccan cuisine because it uses harmonious and wholesome blends of herbs and spices.
I used ground cinnamon in this recipe, as I found it adds a warm, subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the carrots and citrus.
You can also go the Moroccan way and use harissa or a Moroccan spice blend (Ras El-Hanout) for a bolder, spicier twist.
Orange blossom water – optional
How to make Moroccan Carrot Salad
This delicious salad is easy to make and ready in under 20 minutes.
First step: Prepare the oranges
Using a small sharp knife and working over a bowl to catch any juice, cut the flesh out of each orange segment and place the segments in a separate medium-sized bowl. Squeeze any remaining juice from the orange membranes into the first bowl to collect the juice.
Second step: make the salad dressing
In the bowl with the reserved orange juice, add lime juice, cinnamon, olive oil, and salt. Whisk to combine.
Third step: Assemble the Salad
Add the shredded carrots and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the oranges. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss gently to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
Stir in freshly chopped cilantro just before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Salad recipe Variations
Add Feta
For a creamy, salty twist, some people like to sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad just before serving.
Add Raisins
For a touch of natural sweetness, sprinkle in a handful of golden raisins. They pair beautifully with carrots and citrus, adding chewy texture and depth to the salad.
Spice It Up with Moroccan spices
To highlight Moroccan flavors, add a pinch of ground cumin, Ras El Hanout, sumac, or a Moroccan harissa spice blend to the dressing for an extra warm touch.
Substitution
No Orange Blossom Water?
Try a touch of rose water or simply skip it, the salad will still be delicious without it.
No Harissa or Moroccan Spice Blend?
Use a pinch of ground cumin and a dash of smoked paprika for a warm, earthy flavor.
No Fresh Cilantro?
You can substitute it with fresh flat-leaf parsley. It offers a milder flavor but still brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the salad.
Make-ahead Tips for the best Moroccan carrot salad
Let It Marinate
For maximum flavor, let the carrots marinate in the dressing before serving. Even a few minutes helps them absorb the tangy-sweet notes. For best results, refrigerate the salad for a few hours or overnight and the salad tastes even better the next day. Just add in freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) before serving to preserve its bright, citrusy flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving
If you’re using fresh coriander or parsley, stir them in just before serving to keep their flavor vibrant and fresh.
Serve Carrot Salad at Room Temperature
I personally enjoy this salad best at room temperature, though it’s also delicious served warm or chilled. At room temperature, the sweet carrots and dressing shine through.
How to store this Moroccan-inspired salad?
Keep the Moroccan salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2–3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead side dish.
Best Moroccan Carrot Salad
Ingredients
- 2 carrots medium size
- 2 Oranges
- handfull Cilantro fresh, chopped
- ¼ Onion red
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- 2 tbsp Lime juice from 1/2 lime
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil optional
- teaspoon Orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions
- Using a small sharp knife and working over a bowl to catch any juice, cut the flesh out of each orange segment and place the segments in a separate medium-sized bowl. Squeeze any remaining juice from the orange membranes into the first bowl to collect the juice.2 Oranges
- In the bowl with the reserved orange juice, add lime juice, orange blossom water, cinnamon, olive oil, and salt. Whisk to combine.1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder, 2 tbsp Lime juice, salt, 1 tbsp Olive Oil, teaspoon Orange blossom water (optional)
- Add the shredded carrots and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the oranges. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss gently to combine.2 carrots, ¼ Onion
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
- Stir in freshly chopped cilantro just before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.handfull Cilantro
