Moroccan Carrot Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette
Bright carrot salad with harissa-lemon vinaigrette, raisins, parsley and feta. Quick, make-ahead, spicy, and great as a healthy winter side.
This time of year is brutally cold here in upstate New York. Combined with what seems like never-ending darkness, its easy to fall into a rut of all comfort food all the time. I’m always looking for healthy recipe ideas that I can still get excited about in this weather.
This carrot salad is a definite winner. Even though the salad itself is cold, the harissa vinaigrette is spicy enough that it’ll warm you right up. Plus, after so much holiday excess, eating a big ole plate of carrots just feels good!
Submitted by: Lauren from 37 Cooks,
- Spicy harissa vinaigrette brings warmth to a crisp carrot salad with raisins, parsley, and feta.
- Make the dressing ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days; toss with carrots just before serving if you want extra crunch.
- Easy swaps: use shredded carrots, dried cranberries or dates, and vegan feta or nuts to make it dairy-free.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
To make the dressing, combine the harissa, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small jar. Cover and shake well to combine. Season to taste with salt.
Combine the carrots and raisins in a large serving bowl. Pour on half the dressing; mix well. Toss in parsley and feta. Add additional dressing to taste.
Leftover dressing will keep refrigerated for several days.
thespicehouse.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Store the dressing in a jar in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. If you want maximum crunch, keep the carrots and dressing separate and toss them together just before serving. If already dressed, the salad will stay good for 1 to 2 days.
What can I use instead of harissa?
Substitutes include sambal oelek, a mild chili paste, or a mixture of red pepper flakes and a spoon of tomato paste. You can also use store-bought harissa paste if you do not want to make your own.
How do I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Replace feta with crumbled vegan feta, toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the recipe is already plant-based.
How can I reduce the heat if the dressing is too spicy?
Use less harissa to start, or thin the dressing with an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a spoon of yogurt. A touch of honey or more raisins will also tame the spice while balancing acidity.
Can I use shredded or grated carrots instead of matchsticks?
Yes. Shredded or grated carrots work fine but will be softer and absorb more dressing. Matchstick cuts give more crunch and a chewier texture.
What are good raisin substitutes?
Try dried cranberries, currants, chopped dates, or finely chopped dried apricots. Any small, chewy dried fruit that adds sweetness will work.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Dressing keeps about 4 to 5 days refrigerated. A fully dressed salad will stay acceptable for 1 to 2 days. Store everything at 40°F or below and discard if it smells off.
Approximately how many calories are in a serving?
Roughly 180 to 220 calories per serving if the recipe is divided into four portions. Exact calories depend on the olive oil and feta amounts and any swaps you make.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Store the dressing in a jar in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. If you want maximum crunch, keep the carrots and dressing separate and toss them together just before serving. If already dressed, the salad will stay good for 1 to 2 days.
What can I use instead of harissa?
Substitutes include sambal oelek, a mild chili paste, or a mixture of red pepper flakes and a spoon of tomato paste. You can also use store-bought harissa paste if you do not want to make your own.
How do I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Replace feta with crumbled vegan feta, toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the recipe is already plant-based.
How can I reduce the heat if the dressing is too spicy?
Use less harissa to start, or thin the dressing with an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a spoon of yogurt. A touch of honey or more raisins will also tame the spice while balancing acidity.
Can I use shredded or grated carrots instead of matchsticks?
Yes. Shredded or grated carrots work fine but will be softer and absorb more dressing. Matchstick cuts give more crunch and a chewier texture.
What are good raisin substitutes?
Try dried cranberries, currants, chopped dates, or finely chopped dried apricots. Any small, chewy dried fruit that adds sweetness will work.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Dressing keeps about 4 to 5 days refrigerated. A fully dressed salad will stay acceptable for 1 to 2 days. Store everything at 40°F or below and discard if it smells off.
Approximately how many calories are in a serving?
Roughly 180 to 220 calories per serving if the recipe is divided into four portions. Exact calories depend on the olive oil and feta amounts and any swaps you make.
Comments