Are you a veggie lover? Or are you a mom looking for a fun way to get your kids to eat and enjoy veggies? Well, here’s a recipe for you to try out!
For this recipe, I will be sharing something really easy to make: the Moroccan Garden Salad. What’s fun about this dish is that you can use any vegetable you like!
This vibrant and refreshing salad is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, known for its simplicity and delightful combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s commonly dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil and lemon juice, which enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Anyone can make it! Whether you’re new to Moroccan cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this salad is a wonderful way to bring a touch of North African flair to your table.
A Culinary Heritage
Traditionally served as a side dish, the Moroccan Garden Salad is often enjoyed alongside main courses like tagines and couscous. Its bright flavors and crisp textures make it a perfect addition to any meal, offering a taste of Morocco’s rich culinary heritage.
Moroccan Garden Salad
This salad platter is commonly served on Moroccan tables. It's a simple composition that goes great with a hearty tagine.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- Green beans
- Potatoes
- Red onions
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Beetroot
Rice Salad
- Cold rice
- Small pieces of carrot
- Corn
- Tuna
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Cumin
Dressing
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Garnishes and Sides (Optional)
- Olives
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs
- Bread
Instructions
1. Prepare the vegetables:
- Wash your vegetables thoroughly and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. For the carrots, you can cut them into thin strips. For the onions, finely chop them into much smaller than the other veggies, then set them aside.
- You have two options for cooking them: steaming or boiling. For this recipe, I opted to steam the veggies to help retain their vibrant colors. So, steam or boil your vegetables for a few minutes until they are cooked.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, you can season them to your preference. For the potatoes, you may add some finely chopped red onion and fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro for extra flavor. The same goes for the tomatoes; finely chop a small onion and mix it with the tomatoes.
Note: Generally, it’s better to cut the vegetables into smaller pieces before steaming or boiling them. However, it also depends on your preference and specific recipe you’re following. Just be mindful of the cooking time to ensure that the vegetables are not overcooked or undercooked.
2. Prepare the rice salad:
- Get your cold rice, which could be a day-old rice, and mix with small pieces of carrot, corn, and tuna.
- Add a little bit of mayonnaise, salt, and cumin to the rice mixture and stir well.
3. Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the dressing.
4. Plate and serve:
- Arrange everything nicely on a large plate to create an inviting and colorful presentation.
- In the center of the plate, add the rice salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over all the vegetables.
- This is optional, but you can garnish the salad with olives, lemon slices, and fresh herbs. You can also serve the salad with bread!
Notes
As you can see, this recipe is easy as 1, 2, 3. Like I’ve said earlier, you can use whichever vegetable you prefer so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your preference!
Historically, salads have been an integral part of the Moroccan diet. The tradition of including salads in meals is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, where meals are seen as communal events meant to be shared with family and friends. The emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients reflects Morocco’s agricultural heritage and the importance of seasonal eating.
Here’s to a tasty and nutritious salad for you to enjoy!
This Moroccan Garden Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. With its crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and zesty dressing, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and nutritious ingredients.
It’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome addition to your diet, providing a burst of freshness and vitality. Enjoy the taste of Morocco in every bite, and let this simple yet exquisite salad transport you to the bustling markets and aromatic kitchens of North Africa!
This is really a combination of several different vegetables that have been prepared and seasoned with a simple vinegarette. Every time I have been served this salad, there is a salad with rice, tuna and corn in the middle as well.
Feel free to switch out vegetables for what you have available. There’s really no wrong way to make this!