Description
A vibrant Moroccan-inspired lentil carrot salad featuring tender cooked lentils combined with sweet grated carrots, crunchy red onion, and fresh herbs. This refreshing salad is flavored with warm spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, then dressed with a bright and tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a nutritious side dish or a light, satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 ½ cups cooked green or brown lentils
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Dressing & Spices
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked lentils, grated carrots, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Stir gently to combine all the fresh components evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is well coated with the flavorful dressing and spices.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the spices to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side or light main dish.
Notes
- Flavors improve when the salad is allowed to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- This salad can be served as a nutritious side or a wholesome light main course.
- Use freshly cooked lentils for the best texture and flavor; canned lentils can be used for convenience but should be rinsed well.
- Adjust seasoning, especially salt and lemon juice, according to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Moroccan-Inspired
