Someone in my family (I forget exactly who to blame for these memories), was very fond of adding grated carrots to the bottom of their Jell-o molds for holiday dessert. Come to think of it, there were grated carrots and a can of fruit cocktail at the bottom of the red Jell-o mold dessert. Criminal. At least the Jell-o was red.
There are things better things to do with shredded carrots. Things that are less jiggly, and frankly, less rude. This carrot salad fits the bill. It’s hearty, sweet and spicy, salty and crunchy, durable enough to last a few days in the refrigerator, and just generally polite… not rude at all.
This recipe comes from Sara Forte’s brilliant salad-brain. You know Sprouted Kitchen? Beautiful, whole, and healthy food (and a really cute baby, too). The new Sprouted Kitchen book Bowl + Spoon is a tasty collections of breakfast bowls, salads, and sides that are elevated, healthful, but still totally comforting.
Tracy made Beet + Avocado Poke Bowls from the book. The beets are gorgeous.
This salad calls for a good amount of chopping, slicing, and dicing. It’s kitchen therapy. Take your time and don’t fight it.
Carrots should be grated fresh. Those bags of pre-shredded carrots… no good. Sad and dry.
Garbanzo beans for girth and protein. Dates for perfect sweetness. Cilantro, pistachio, green onions, and lime: a green theme.
Carrot and other salad bits are tossed together while the dressing ingredients are whisked together.
Cumin, turmeric, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes for Moroccan flair.
This is how a salad comes together. Just a toss.
Crisp and crunchy. Totally full of lime and spice. Beans are filling and carrots are sweet and crunchy. It’s a really well-balanced salad. It’s great to make and store in the fridge for easy lunching and light dinnering. If you’re like to me though… you’ll eat it all in one day. It’s that good.
PrintMarrakesh Carrots
- Prep Time: 25
- Total Time: 25
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 7 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- 4 green onions, white and green parts, chopped
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- zest and juice of 2 limes
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon tumeric
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup shelled roasted pistachios, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the carrots, garbanzo beans, chopped dates, green onions, cilantro and chopped pistachios.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, zest and juice of limes, cumin, nutmeg, turmeric, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle in the feta cheese and toss lightly.
- Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
Rebecca @ DisplacedHousewife
YUM, this looks delicious!!! I’m obsessed with this cookbook and now I have to make this salad too. Everything’s in a bowl right now. Love it.
alyssa breed
oh my gosh, I made this the weekend after she posted it on her blog…let me tell you it is one of my absolute favorite things I have EVER made!!! I like this version too with chickpeas instead of lentils…and the goat’s milk feta is absolutely worth every penny at Trader Joe’s!
Erin | Well Plated
Oh JELLO MOLDS. I feel like they have their own food group in my fam. The one with the crushed pineapple + sour cream still scars me.
Love all of the happy flavors in this salad. Hats off to Sara!
prestigiousschool
Thank you for spotlighting this recipe! Sometimes I need the extra nudge to make a recipe that looks like a lot of effort!
Amanda Hawkins
I’d like to think we’ve come a long way since the horrors of Jello salad(s). I mean, there’s this. Curious what future generations will point their fingers at as our own culinary sins.
perfectingdeliciousness
This looks so good Joy! Perfect for a take to work lunch or stay at home work lunch! Thank you!
Andrea : soulandheartbeauty
There’s a very similar recipe in one of Jeremy Dixon’s Revive Cafe Cookbooks from NZ, the spiced date pilau. The biggest difference is the addition of brown rice, which makes it a bit more filling as a meal on its own. It’s absolutely delicious.
Boho Chic Cafe
Looks delicious (and healthy)! Can’t wait to try!
x Sarah
http://www.bohochiccafe.com
Arthur in the Garden!
Yummy!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures
Yum! I’m going to make this! Way better than a wierd jello salad with carrots!
Cali
I also experienced the carrot-jello combo as a child. At least yours was in a mold to make it look more presentable. Mine was in a pyrex baking dish – with raisins!
This looks like a great salad. I love all food Moroccan!
Vickie
no thanks to jello+carrots, but this salad looks awesome
Meghan
Gorgeous salad. And seriously…grated carrots in a Jell-O mold? That seriously is criminal.
Heather (Delicious Not Gorgeous)
That Jello/carrot combo sounds pretty horrific (although I have come around on Jello salad..). I love the idea of all the crunchy elements in this salad- it seems perfect for spring!
aspoonfulofnature
Looks perfect!! can’t wait to try it at home :)
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