An Exotic Plant-Based Dish Full of Flavor, Nutrition, and Vibrancy
Looking to add more vibrant, plant-based meals to your weekly menu? This Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is the perfect dish to bring color and spice to your table. Infused with warm Moroccan spices, packed with nutritious lentils, and balanced with sweet roasted carrots, this hearty vegan salad is a celebration of taste and health.
Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays, hosting a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, or simply searching for a healthy lunch that satisfies, this salad checks all the boxes.
In this in-depth recipe feature, you’ll find everything you need to know to make this dish a staple in your home—from detailed ingredient notes and cooking techniques to customization ideas and health benefits.
🥗 What is Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad?
Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is a wholesome, zesty, and protein-rich dish inspired by the bold flavors of North African cuisine. It combines cooked lentils, roasted or sautéed carrots, fresh herbs, and a fragrant dressing spiced with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric.
Unlike many typical lentil salads, this one plays on contrasts: the earthiness of lentils, the sweetness of roasted carrots, the tang of lemon, and the warming spices of Morocco. It’s satisfying enough to serve as a main dish yet versatile enough to be a show-stopping side.
🌍 A Taste of Morocco
Traditional Moroccan food blends Mediterranean, Berber, Arabic, and French influences. Its cuisine often showcases:
- Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon
- Fresh herbs such as mint and parsley
- Dried fruits and sweet-savory combinations
- Legumes and root vegetables, often cooked with olive oil and lemon
This Moroccan Carrot Salad with Lentils captures that culinary magic in a way that’s simple to make and suitable for modern, health-conscious lifestyles.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is made with whole-food ingredients that are easy to find and naturally nutritious. Here’s what you’ll need:
✅ For the Salad:
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils (or 2½ cups canned, rinsed)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced thinly on a diagonal
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped toasted almonds or pistachios (optional, for crunch)
✅ For the Moroccan Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a mild kick)
- Salt to taste
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
This salad is simple to make in just a few key steps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Start by rinsing your lentils thoroughly under cold water.
In a medium pot, add:
- 1 cup lentils
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain and let cool.
📝 Tip: Avoid overcooking lentils—they should be tender but not mushy for the best salad texture.
Step 2: Roast the Carrots
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss:
- Carrot slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cumin, coriander, paprika
- Salt and pepper
Spread in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until carrots are tender with slightly crisp edges and caramelized notes.
🔁 Alternative: Instead of roasting, sauté the carrots in a skillet for 8–10 minutes over medium heat until golden and tender.
Step 3: Whisk the Moroccan Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Mustard
- Garlic
- Spices
- Salt
Shake well or whisk until fully emulsified. Adjust salt, acidity, and spice level to your taste.
🧪 Flavor tip: Let the dressing sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the spices and garlic to infuse.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, mix together:
- Cooked lentils
- Roasted carrots
- Chopped parsley and mint
- Red onions (if using)
- Toasted nuts (optional)
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Let sit for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors deepen.
🧺 Meal Prep & Storage
This salad is ideal for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Best served: Chilled or at room temperature.
- Make ahead: You can cook the lentils and roast the carrots a day in advance and refrigerate separately.
❄️ Do not freeze—the texture of lentils and carrots will degrade upon thawing.
🥙 Serving Suggestions
This Lentil Carrot Salad can shine on its own or pair beautifully with other dishes.
Enjoy it as:
- 🥗 A main salad over greens with a scoop of hummus
- 🌯 A wrap filling with tahini sauce or yogurt
- 🍽️ A side dish with grilled eggplant, falafel, or roasted cauliflower
- 🍱 A bento-style lunch with olives, couscous, and pita bread
💡 Flavor Variations
Want to mix it up? Try these exciting additions:
🌾 Grains:
- Add quinoa, bulgur, or couscous for extra heartiness
🌶️ Heat:
- Add harissa or chili flakes for a spicier version
🍊 Sweet Twist:
- Include dried apricots, raisins, or orange zest
🧀 Not Vegan?:
- Crumble in some feta or goat cheese for creamy contrast
🥬 Greens:
- Serve over a bed of baby arugula or spinach for more nutrients
🧠 Nutrition Benefits
This Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is more than just a pretty dish—it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
Lentils:
- High in plant-based protein and iron
- Provide long-lasting complex carbohydrates
- Rich in fiber, supporting gut health
Carrots:
- Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A
- Promote healthy vision and immune function
Olive Oil & Spices:
- Provide anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy benefits
- Enhance nutrient absorption
✅ Vegan
✅ Gluten-Free
✅ Dairy-Free
✅ Refined Sugar-Free
🧾 Final Thoughts: A Star in Healthy Vegan Cooking
If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, nutrient-dense, and easy-to-make dish that celebrates vegetables and plant-based protein, this Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad is your answer.
The bright, bold flavors of North African spices, paired with sweet roasted carrots and earthy lentils, make this dish a memorable addition to your lunch or dinner repertoire. It’s easy to adapt, keeps well, and feels both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or a longtime fan, this salad is a simple, delicious way to experience its flavor-rich magic in every bite.
