Why Make This Recipe
Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish. It offers a wonderful mix of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making it a perfect side dish or main meal. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein from lentils and vitamins from fresh veggies. Plus, it’s great for meal prep!
How to Make Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and cook them in a pot with 3 cups of water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, diced bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and salt and pepper.
- Add the cooled lentils to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Mix well to combine.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
How to Serve Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad
Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is great on its own or as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or wraps. You can also serve it on a bed of greens for a light lunch. The vibrant colors also make it a delightful addition to any potluck.
How to Store Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad
To store the salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors might even improve as they sit together! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Tips to Make Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad
- Make sure to rinse the lentils properly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- For added texture, you can mix in some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, just before serving.
- Adjust the spices to your liking. If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables like cucumber or cherry tomatoes. For a different flavor, try substituting the lemon juice with vinegar, or switch up the herbs by using mint instead of parsley.
FAQs
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils! Just drain and rinse them before mixing into the salad. You can skip the cooking step.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! This Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A colorful and nutritious salad packed with protein and vitamins, perfect as a side dish or main meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and cook them in a pot with 3 cups of water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, diced bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and salt and pepper.
- Add the cooled lentils to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Mix well to combine.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Make sure to rinse the lentils properly before cooking. For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
