Moroccan Carrot Salad
Crunchy Moroccan carrot salad with rose water, almonds, and sultanas. Tips for shredding, make-ahead, swaps, and storage.
This crunchy, healthy salad provides a counterpoint to grilled fare, especially chicken or fish. The rose water gives the dish a beautiful and exotic bouquet.
Submitted by: Michael Krueger from Scotch Plains, NJ
Yield: 8 servings
- Bright, crunchy salad of shredded carrots, sultanas, toasted almonds and a lemon-rose dressing.
- Use a food processor shredding disk for fastest prep; soak sultanas briefly to plump them.
- Make ahead: refrigerate at least 1 hour to marinate; keeps 2–3 days covered.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes. Peel and grate large carrots on the coarse side of a box grater or use the shredding disk in a food processor. Pick fresh, firm carrots so they shred crisp rather than mealy.
What can I substitute for rose water?
If you do not have rose water, use a small splash of orange blossom water or add extra lemon zest and a touch more honey. Use rose water sparingly because its flavor is strong.
How do I toast sliced almonds?
Oven method: spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast at 350 F for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once, until light golden. Stovetop method: heat a dry skillet over medium and shake the nuts until fragrant. Let cool before adding to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead and how long will it keep?
Yes. Toss and refrigerate for at least one hour to let flavors meld. Stored in a covered container, the salad stays good for 2 to 3 days. For best crunch, add extra almonds right before serving if needed.
How can I make the recipe vegan or nut free?
To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave. For a nut-free version, swap almonds for toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or omit nuts and add extra sultanas for texture.
How do I quickly plump the sultanas if I do not want to use a microwave?
Cover sultanas with hot or boiling water and let them sit 5 to 10 minutes, then drain. You can also soak them in warm tea for extra flavor.
How do I balance the sweet, tart, and floral flavors?
Taste the dressing before mixing. Add a little more honey or sultanas to increase sweetness, more lemon juice for brightness, and a tiny extra splash of rose water for floral notes. Finish with salt and pepper to lift the flavors.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes. Peel and grate large carrots on the coarse side of a box grater or use the shredding disk in a food processor. Pick fresh, firm carrots so they shred crisp rather than mealy.
What can I substitute for rose water?
If you do not have rose water, use a small splash of orange blossom water or add extra lemon zest and a touch more honey. Use rose water sparingly because its flavor is strong.
How do I toast sliced almonds?
Oven method: spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast at 350 F for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once, until light golden. Stovetop method: heat a dry skillet over medium and shake the nuts until fragrant. Let cool before adding to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead and how long will it keep?
Yes. Toss and refrigerate for at least one hour to let flavors meld. Stored in a covered container, the salad stays good for 2 to 3 days. For best crunch, add extra almonds right before serving if needed.
How can I make the recipe vegan or nut free?
To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave. For a nut-free version, swap almonds for toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or omit nuts and add extra sultanas for texture.
How do I quickly plump the sultanas if I do not want to use a microwave?
Cover sultanas with hot or boiling water and let them sit 5 to 10 minutes, then drain. You can also soak them in warm tea for extra flavor.
How do I balance the sweet, tart, and floral flavors?
Taste the dressing before mixing. Add a little more honey or sultanas to increase sweetness, more lemon juice for brightness, and a tiny extra splash of rose water for floral notes. Finish with salt and pepper to lift the flavors.
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