Crisp shredded harissa carrots that are tossed in a tangy pepper paste with sunflower seeds to give a nutty crunch. It is an excellent side dish for bowl creations and pita sandwiches, making this the best and easiest harissa carrot salad recipe for a bold statement.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Golden Side Dish
- History of Harissa
- Morocco: Representing North Africa?
- Ingredients with Steps
- Culinary Glossary
- Instructions with Pictures
- How to Shred Carrots
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storage
- Cooking Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Side Dish Ideas
- Vegetarian Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
- Have a Comment or Question?
Golden Side Dish
You’ll be super excited to add this Harissa Carrot Salad to your meal. It provides just the right spicy crunch with fresh herbs to enhance your meal to the next level, ensuring you get your daily dose of carrots with a delicious twist!
Harissa, a North African pepper paste, is traditionally made from Boukleti peppers (very hard to find) from the Mehreg region, along with roasted red peppers and a blend of spices and herbs native to the area, including caraway, cumin, garlic, and lemon.
If you can’t find Harissa at a big chain supermarket, try checking out your local North African, Mediterranean, or Middle-Eastern store—I usually pick mine up at a local kosher market.
Still no luck? You can always whip up a batch using my Quick Harissa Paste recipe.
Vibrant and Flavorful Salad
The Spicy Moroccan-Inspired Harissa Carrot Salad combines the sweetness of shredded carrots with the fiery blend of harissa paste, spices, and a nutty crunch from sunflower seeds, making it a perfect addition to bowls, pita sandwiches, or even as a topping for grilled meats.
This vibrant and flavorful salad is incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of meals and adding a burst of color and great flavor to any plate. It can also be served as a refreshing appetizer or paired with grains like couscous or quinoa for a light, satisfying meal.
History of Harissa
Harissa, a vibrant blend of red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and various spices, originates from Tunisia in North Africa. Traditionally used in Maghrebi cuisine, harissa has become a staple in North African and Middle Eastern dishes, offering a rich and spicy kick.
Over time, its use has spread globally, finding its way into contemporary dishes across Europe, North America, and beyond. I personally love harissa paste for its versatility; it’s the best all-purpose paste that can elevate anything from roasted chicken to side dishes like this Spicy Moroccan-Inspired Harissa Carrot Salad.
Again, I have a Quick Harissa recipe available for those who enjoy making things from scratch.
Tunisia to Morocco
The Harissa Carrot Salad is often associated with Morocco because of the country's rich tradition of combining vibrant, flavorful ingredients in salads and side dishes, which aligns with the typical components of this salad.
While harissa itself originates from Tunisia, Morocco is renowned for its use of spices and vegetables in creative, bold ways that are both visually and flavorfully compelling. I had my first Tunisian cuisine experience in Paris, France. Til this day, I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant.
Moroccan cuisine, in particular, is known for its varied salads that often feature raw or cooked vegetables mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes fruit, making the Harissa Carrot Salad a natural fit within this culinary context.
Morocco: Representing North Africa?
Additionally, Morocco has become a global symbol of North African cuisine, and many dishes that use harissa or similar ingredients are often associated with Moroccan cooking due to their international popularity and recognition.
I first learned about Morocco from the famous Humphrey Bogart movie "Casablanca," and later through the use of Harissa. Two ways I feel introduced many in the U.S. to Moroccan flavors, though it barely scratched the surface of the country's rich culture.
Each North African country—Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya—has distinct culinary traditions, with Morocco known for its aromatic tagines and couscous, Tunisia for its spicy harissa and briks, Algeria for its hearty stews and chorba, and Libya for its simple yet flavorful bazeen and couscous dishes.
Are you looking for authentic Tunisian recipes? Check out Our Tunisian Table and Afooda.
History of Moroccan Cuisine and Culture
Moroccan cuisine is a melting pot of flavors influenced by Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean cultures. Located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, Morocco has a rich culinary heritage that is as diverse as its people.
Traditional Moroccan dishes are known for their complex and aromatic spices, creating a vivid tapestry of flavors that reflect the country’s colorful history and cultural diversity. The vibrant culture of Morocco is not only evident in its cuisine but also in its traditional artwork, which is as bright and diverse as the flavors found in Moroccan dishes.
Vibrant Moracco Representation
I find Moroccan culture to be as colorful and diverse as their cuisine, which is why I’m so drawn to exploring and sharing it through my cooking. Are you looking for authentic Moroccan recipes? Check out My Moroccan Food and Salima's Kitchen.
I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to respond by sharing your thoughts in the comments section below, asking questions, and telling me about your own cooking experiences. You can also connect with me through our newsletter and on [Instagram] to share your culinary creations and join a vibrant community of food enthusiasts!
More Recipes to Try with Harissa
- Air-Fryer Roasted Harissa Salmon with Paprika Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts
- Harissa Egg & Toast with Feta Cheese and Olive Oil
- Spicy Chicken Burger with Harissa Eggplant and Portobello Mushrooms
- Spicy Chicken Vegetable Stew with Harissa Tomato Sauce
Ingredients with Steps
To make the Spicy Moroccan-Inspired Harissa Carrot Salad, a very simple recipe, shred and place carrots with harissa paste, smoked paprika powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, crushed red pepper chili flakes, sunflower seeds, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl and combine with extra virgin olive oil.
Remember, a small dollop of this paste goes a long way. For even coating, wearing disposable gloves and massaging the carrots with the seasoning is recommended. This method ensures that all ingredients are well-integrated, delivering a flavorful and aromatic salad.
Culinary Glossary
This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe.
- Harissa Paste - A spicy North African spice paste that's aromatic and made from chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and various spices from Tunisia.
- Smoked Paprika - A spice made from smoked and dried peppers, adding a deep, smoky flavor to dishes.
- Turmeric Powder - A bright yellow spice derived from the turmeric root, known for its earthy flavor and health benefits.
- Cumin Powder - A warm, earthy spice commonly used in Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Indian cuisine.
- Curly Parsley - A type of parsley with tightly curled leaves, offering a fresh, mild flavor. Curly parsley has tightly curled, frilly leaves and a milder flavor, making it ideal for garnishing. Flat-leaf parsley, with its broader, smoother leaves, has a stronger, more robust flavor, making it the preferred choice for cooking and adding depth to dishes.
See the Harissa carrot recipe card for quantities below.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
Mandolines are a quicker way to shred and slice fruits and vegetables. I've had my Japanese Benriner Classic Slicer for 20+ years.
Use the coarse blade to make julienne cuts.
After you shred the carrots, combine everything else in a mixing bowl. You can serve it immediately or store it in the fridge for five days or more in a tightly closed glass container. Do glass Containers Keep food fresh longer? Kitchen Sear says “yes,” and so do I from experience.
To combine the ingredients well, I like to wear disposable gloves and massage the carrots with the seasoning to ensure maximum coating.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review: I’ve had my Benriner Mandoline Slicer for over 20 years, and it’s still one of the most reliable tools in my kitchen. While I own the older model, the new version is nearly identical—featuring the same chef-trusted quality, sharp Japanese stainless steel blades, and simple, effective design. It’s been a huge help with meal prep, especially when I need consistent, thin slices fast. Benriner has always been the original go-to mandoline in professional kitchens, and for good reason—it just works. If you want to learn more about how to safely and efficiently use a Japanese mandoline, check out my full guide on the Japanese Mandoline here.
How to Shred Carrots
Watch this video on how to use a Japanese mandoline to shred carrots.
Substitutions
Dairy Free
- Yay! This spicy carrot salad recipe is already dairy-free.
Gluten-Free
- Bonus! This carrot salad recipe is also gluten-free.
Vegetarian
- And another one! This recipe is vegetarian. Enjoy!
Convenience
- Harissa Paste - Substitute with sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes and olive oil for heat.
- Sunflower Seeds - Use chopped almonds, toasted sesame seeds, pistachios, or pepitas for a similar crunch.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - Substitute with lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Curly Parsley - Use flat-leaf parsley or fresh cilantro if curly parsley is unavailable.
Three of the best places to shop for store-bought harissa are:
- Whole Foods Market - Known for its selection of high-quality, organic, and specialty foods, Whole Foods often carries a variety of harissa brands, both in the spice aisle and the international foods section.
- Trader Joe’s - Trader Joe’s offers its own brand of harissa paste, which is well-regarded for its flavor and affordability. It’s typically found in the condiment section and is now my favorite place to shop for it (08/23/24).
- Amazon - For convenience and variety, Amazon has a wide selection of harissa, including well-known brands like Dea and Mina. It's a great option to explore different brands and flavors.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- Turnips - Swap carrots with shredded turnips for a slightly bitter twist. Ohhh, I love pickled turnips, how about you?
- Parsnips - Use parsnips for a sweeter, earthier flavor profile.
- Jicama- Combine the sweet carrots with shredded jicama for a crisp, juicy crunch. Imagine this mixture in a fish taco?!
- Beets - Add shredded beets for a sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant color!
- Creamy Feta Cheese - Crumble feta cheese on top for a creamy, tangy contrast. With beets, this is delicious!!
- Garlic - Bring out some zing with chopped fresh garlic.
Equipment
Japanese Mandoline
Used for thinly and evenly shredding carrots and other vegetables. For this recipe, I used the Benriner Mandoline Slicer. Learn about Japanese mandolines here. Another great option would be the OXO Julienne Y-Peeler that are ideal for creating thin, matchstick-like strips of vegetables.
Or use a Box Grater, like the KitchenAid Stainless Steel Box Grater; I would consider this a kitchen essential since they are a versatile tool for shredding vegetables, cheese, and more.
Mixing Bowl
A large bowl is used to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. My favorite bowls right now are the Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, Mixing Bowl Set. These are great because you can use them in the microwave, compared to my stainless steel mixing bowls.
Food Processor
If you plan to make your harissa by scratch, this would be perfect for making homemade harissa paste by blending peppers, garlic, and spices into a smooth mixture. Get my Quick Harissa Sauce Recipe. In the sauce recipe video, I used the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper.
Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Storage
- Refrigerator - To store in the fridge in an airtight container. This side dish will last up to five days. In addition, this salad will taste even better the next day and be fork-tender.
- Freezer - I do not recommend freezing this since the moisture inside the carrots will expand and crystallize, resulting in a soggy change in texture when thawed.
Cooking Tip
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab.
Massage the carrots with the spices and seasoning using disposable gloves to ensure an even coating and enhanced flavor absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
You can substitute harissa with sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes and olive oil for a similar fiery flavor.
Absolutely! Chopped almonds, sesame seeds, pistachios, and pepitas are great sunflower seed alternatives.
Yes, the salad has a spicy kick from the harissa and chili flakes, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference. For a mild kick, try Mina's Mild Harissa.
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, pita sandwiches, or grain bowls and can even be used as a vibrant topping for tacos. I love eating it with hummus spread in a pita, pickled cucumbers, turnips, cabbage, and crispy hot falafels with creamy tahini sauce.
Side Dish Ideas
Looking for other side dish recipes like this? Try these:
- Quick & Easy Food Chopper Guacamole with Jalapeño Kick
- Quick Parsley Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
- Marinated Sumac Onions | Easy and Quick
- How to Make Multigrain Rice | Purple Rice Recipe
Vegetarian Recipes
Looking for other vegetarian recipes like this? Try these:
- Meatless Monday Meal Guide: Plant-Powered Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
- Haitian Djon Djon Rice Recipe (Diri Djon Djon)
- Homemade Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce
- Homemade Pico de Gallo | Fresh Salsa in 10 Minutes
📖 Recipe
Spicy Moroccan-Inspired Harissa Carrot Salad
Ingredients
- 3 medium carrots peeled and shredded
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste
- salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 1 garlic clove garlic pressed or minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped curly parsley
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Equipment
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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