Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from one large lemon)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from one large orange)
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Salad
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and shredded
- ⅓ cup currants
- ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint or cilantro (or a combination), plus more for serving
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots (from one large shallot)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl big enough to hold the entire salad, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice, honey, salt, ground cumin, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground coriander, ground allspice, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Add Salad Ingredients: Add the shredded carrots, currants, toasted slivered almonds, chopped fresh mint and/or cilantro, rinsed and drained chickpeas, finely minced shallots, and minced garlic to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss and Marinate: Toss all the ingredients thoroughly to coat the salad evenly with the dressing. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or up to a few hours for deeper flavor development.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, lemon juice, or honey depending on your preference and the natural sweetness of the carrots. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh herbs. Serve chilled.
- Toast Almonds (Optional): To toast the slivered almonds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool before adding to salad.
Notes
- Toasting the almonds adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor—be careful not to burn them as they toast quickly.
- This salad can be made several hours in advance and kept refrigerated for enhanced flavor melding.
- Use fresh herbs like mint or cilantro based on your preference or a combination for layered flavors.
- Check seasoning after marinating as citrus and honey levels can be adjusted to balance sweetness and acidity.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free but always verify ingredient labels if dietary restrictions apply.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Gluten Free
