Middle Eastern Carrot & Feta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Middle Eastern carrot and feta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender spiced carrots with tangy feta and fresh herbs. It’s a refreshing side or light meal that balances sweet, savory, and citrusy notes perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1kg bag carrots, peeled, halved lengthways and cut into chunks
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 50g sultanas or raisins
- 200g pack feta cheese
- ½ small pack coriander or flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the carrot chunks and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.
- Step 2: While the carrots cook, combine the cumin seeds, ground cinnamon, ground coriander, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together thoroughly using a fork or small whisk.
- Step 3: Drain the cooked carrots and let them steam-dry in the colander for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Step 4: Transfer the carrots into the bowl with the dressing and add the sultanas or raisins. Toss gently to coat the carrots evenly and leave the salad at room temperature to let flavors meld.
- Step 5: Just before serving, crumble the feta cheese over the salad and scatter with the chopped coriander or parsley. Gently toss once more to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the cumin seeds lightly in a dry pan before adding to the dressing to enhance their aroma and flavor.
- For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios on top before serving.
- Use a mix of fresh herbs like mint along with parsley or coriander for more complexity.
- Swap sultanas for chopped dried apricots or figs for a different sweetness.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The carrots may soften further as they chill. Add the feta and herbs fresh each time you serve for the best texture and flavor. Reheat carrots gently if desired, but it’s also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrots and dressing in advance and combine them a few hours before serving. Add the feta and herbs just before serving to keep them fresh.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This salad contains no meat or fish and is vegetarian-friendly thanks to the use of feta cheese for creaminess and flavor.
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Middle Eastern Carrot & Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant Middle Eastern inspired carrot and feta salad featuring tender spiced carrots tossed with a tangy honey-lemon dressing, sweet sultanas, and creamy crumbled feta cheese, finished with fresh herbs for a refreshing, healthy side or light meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1kg bag carrots, peeled, halved lengthways and cut into chunks
Spices & Seasoning
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dressing & Additions
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 50g sultanas or raisins
Cheese & Herbs
- 200g pack feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ small pack coriander or flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Boil Carrots: Bring a large pan of water to a rolling boil. Add the peeled and cut carrots, cooking for 8-10 minutes or until the carrots are tender but not falling apart.
- Prepare Dressing: While the carrots cook, combine the cumin seeds, ground cinnamon, ground coriander, runny honey, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together with a small whisk or fork to form a smooth dressing.
- Drain and Dry Carrots: Drain the cooked carrots in a colander and allow them to steam-dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Mix Carrots with Dressing: Add the cooled carrots to the dressing along with the sultanas or raisins. Toss well to coat all the carrots evenly. Leave at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Just before serving, crumble the feta cheese over the carrot mixture and scatter the chopped coriander or parsley on top. Gently toss everything together to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice brightens the salad; avoid bottled lemon juice for best flavor.
- Allowing the carrots to cool slightly before mixing helps maintain their texture.
- Sultanas or raisins add a nice sweetness—feel free to substitute with chopped dried apricots if preferred.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the cumin seeds before adding them to the dressing.
- This salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: carrot salad, Middle Eastern salad, feta cheese salad, cumin carrot salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad
