Description
This Mediterranean Carrot Salad is a showstopper – warm, zesty, and bursting with color and flavor. Tender carrots are tossed with earthy lentils, toasted almonds, aromatic spices, and fresh parsley, then dressed in a citrusy olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a quick lunch, healthy snack, or dinner side, this dish fits into every menu from easy weeknight meals to elegant dinner parties. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with plant-based protein. A fantastic go-to for those seeking quick breakfast, easy dinner, healthy snack, or nutritious food ideas with bold Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
3 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cups cooked green or brown lentils
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces. Boil or steam for 7–10 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool slightly.
2. In a dry skillet, toast sliced almonds for 3–4 minutes over medium heat until golden. Set aside.
3. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cumin, coriander, and paprika to bloom the spices.
4. Add cooked carrots and lentils to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the spiced oil. Warm through for 2–3 minutes.
5. Turn off heat. Add lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
6. Transfer to a serving dish and top with toasted almonds. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
Use canned lentils for convenience, but rinse and drain them well.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
This salad gets better as it sits – try making it ahead for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy recipe, healthy salad, lentil salad, carrot salad, Mediterranean salad, quick lunch, dinner ideas