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North African Carrot Slaw with a Paleo Twist

This vibrant and refreshing North African Carrot Slaw is a celebration of colour, texture, and spice. Inspired by the warm, fragrant flavours of Moroccan cuisine, this slaw combines shredded carrots with juicy sultanas, crunchy almonds, and aromatic spices to create a side dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s naturally sweet, gently spiced, and totally Paleo-friendly—making it the perfect companion to grilled meats, particularly chicken wings or drumsticks.

While traditional coleslaws often rely on mayonnaise or cream-based dressings, this North African variation is lighter and brighter. The dressing is made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a carefully selected blend of warming spices that reflect the heart of Moroccan cooking. The result is a slaw that feels fresh and wholesome, yet robust enough to stand up to heartier main dishes.

North African Carrot Slaw recipe paleo primal carrots
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

North African carrot slaw

Experience the vibrant flavors of North Africa with this fresh and spicy carrot slaw. Perfectly paired with chicken wings or drumsticks, this healthy, paleo-friendly slaw is packed with fruity and gently spiced goodness.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salad, Sides
Cuisine: Moroccan, North African, Paleo
Keyword: healthy carrot slaw, Moroccan slaw, North African carrot slaw, paleo carrot salad, spiced carrot slaw
Servings: 4 serves
Calories: 120kcal
Cost: $8

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 5 carrots grated
  • 1 clove of garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 3 tbsp sultanas
  • 2 spring onions trimmed and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp coriander finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp mint finely chopped
  • 1 stick of celery finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Soak the Sultanas: Start by soaking the sultanas in hot water for 5 minutes. This will plump them up and make them juicier.
  • Prepare the Vegetables: While the sultanas are soaking, grate the carrots and finely chop the garlic, spring onions, coriander, mint, and celery.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the grated carrots, chopped garlic, sesame seeds, soaked sultanas, spring onions, coriander, mint, and celery. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
  • Dress the Slaw: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
  • Season: Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish. This slaw pairs wonderfully with chicken wings or drumsticks for a complete meal.

The Inspiration Behind This Dish

Moroccan and North African cuisine is famed for its use of spices and its ability to transform humble ingredients into flavourful, unforgettable dishes. Carrots, in particular, are a staple in Moroccan cooking. They appear in tagines, salads, and pickled dishes across the region. Here, they take centre stage in a slaw that brings together traditional ingredients with a modern Paleo twist.

Whether served alongside grilled meat, spooned over cauliflower couscous, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch, this carrot slaw offers a bright and nutritious option that complements a variety of meals. It’s also naturally free from grains, dairy, and refined sugars—making it perfect for anyone following a clean eating or Paleo lifestyle.

What Makes This Slaw Stand Out?

This isn’t your average carrot salad. The secret lies in the thoughtful balance of flavour and texture:

  • Carrots: Fresh, shredded carrots are the base. They’re naturally sweet, crunchy, and full of beta-carotene and fibre.
  • Sultanas: These add a chewy texture and subtle sweetness, which balances the spices beautifully.
  • Almonds: Provide crunch and a nutty depth. Lightly toasted slivers or chopped almonds work best here.
  • Herbs: Fresh coriander or mint brings brightness and a refreshing lift.
  • Spices: Ground cumin, cinnamon, and coriander add warmth and complexity. These spices are commonly used in Moroccan kitchens and are key to the dish’s character.
  • Lemon and olive oil: This light dressing enhances the flavours without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables.

The combination of these ingredients results in a dish that’s fragrant, slightly sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy. It’s proof that healthy, plant-based food can be exciting and indulgent at the same time.

Health Benefits of This Carrot Slaw

Aside from being delicious, this slaw is packed with nutritional benefits:

  • Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A—essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.
  • Sultanas contain antioxidants and iron, offering natural sweetness without added sugar.
  • Almonds provide healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamin E, which support heart and brain health.
  • Spices like cumin and cinnamon are anti-inflammatory and may help regulate blood sugar.

This dish proves that flavour doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. Every bite is doing your body good, while satisfying your taste buds at the same time.

Serving Suggestions

This slaw is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your meals:

  • Pair with grilled meats: Especially chicken wings or thighs, lamb skewers, or grilled beef.
  • Use as a salad base: Add cooked chicken, flaked salmon, or sliced boiled eggs to turn it into a full meal.
  • Serve with a Paleo mezze platter: Include olives, grilled vegetables, and baba ganoush for a Middle Eastern-inspired feast.
  • Spoon over cauliflower rice: For a vibrant, grain-free side dish that adds colour and texture to any meal.

It’s also a great option to bring to barbecues or picnics, as it travels well and doesn’t require refrigeration for short periods.

Tips for Perfecting This Slaw

  • Use freshly grated carrots: Pre-shredded options are convenient but often dry. Grating your own ensures a fresher, juicier texture.
  • Let it marinate: Allow the slaw to sit for at least 20 minutes before serving. This gives the flavours time to meld and makes the slaw even more delicious.
  • Toast the almonds: Lightly toasting enhances their flavour and adds a lovely crunch.
  • Balance the sweetness: If your sultanas are especially sweet, a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt can help even out the flavour.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This slaw stores well in the fridge and can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavours deepen and become more pronounced after a few hours of marinating. Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and juices.

It's also ideal for meal prep. Portion into jars or containers for ready-to-go lunches or sides throughout the week. If you’re packing it for a picnic, keep it chilled until serving time for maximum freshness.

Is It Paleo-Friendly?

Absolutely. This North African Carrot Slaw is made entirely from real, unprocessed ingredients. There’s no added sugar, dairy, or grains—just vegetables, nuts, herbs, and spices. It aligns with the Paleo philosophy of eating nutrient-dense, whole foods while exploring bold, exciting flavours from global cuisines.

It’s also suitable for those following Whole30 (with a quick check on compliant dried fruit), and it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan. A win on all fronts!

Variations to Try

This recipe is very forgiving and can be adjusted based on your preferences or what you have available. Here are a few ideas:

  • Swap almonds for walnuts or pistachios for a different nutty profile.
  • Add grated beetroot for a deeper colour and earthy sweetness.
  • Use dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of sultanas for a change in sweetness.
  • Include thinly sliced fennel for an aniseed note and extra crunch.
  • Sprinkle with za’atar or sumac to take the spice profile in a different direction.

Once you’ve made the base recipe, you’ll find it easy to adapt based on the season, your mood, or what’s in your pantry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add something fresh and exciting to your meal rotation, this North African Carrot Slaw is a fantastic place to start. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavourful, and packed with nutrients. With its colourful presentation and dynamic taste, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—even for those who usually skip the salad.

Whether you’re enjoying it with grilled chicken, packing it into lunchboxes, or making it the star of a picnic spread, this slaw will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Have you made this dish? Did you add your own spin or use different nuts or herbs? I’d love to hear your feedback. Share your experience and variations in the comments below. And for more globally inspired Paleo recipes, be sure to check out the full recipe archive for even more inspiration.

North African Carrot Slaw recipe paleo primal carrots

Zesty Paleo BBQ Chicken Wings with Lemon & Ginger

These chicken wings are a firm favourite for a reason. Easy to prepare, packed with flavour, and perfect for sharing, they’ve become one of my go-to dishes whenever I’m firing up the barbecue. The combination of zesty lemon, warming ginger, and cooling mint makes for a marinade that is truly unforgettable. Even better, they can be prepped in advance to let the flavours really sink in.

While I love cooking these on the barbecue for that smoky finish, they’re just as good roasted in the oven or even air-fried if you’re after something a little quicker. Whether you're making these for a weekend gathering, weeknight dinner, or your next picnic spread, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

If you’ve got a little time the day before, let them marinate overnight. The depth of flavour you’ll achieve is worth it. But if you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes can still infuse a delicious kick.

Lemon Ginger Chicken wings paleo recipe barbeque diet mint
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Recipe: Lemon Ginger Chicken Wings

These Lemon Ginger Chicken Wings are perfect for throwing on the barbecue. Marinated overnight, they are bursting with zesty and fresh flavours. Serve them with a side salad for a complete Paleo meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Entertaining, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Barbecue, Paleo
Keyword: Healthy Chicken Wings, Lemon Ginger Chicken Wings, Paleo BBQ Recipe, Zesty Chicken Wings
Servings: 30
Calories: 150kcal
Cost: $30

Ingredients

  • 3 kg chicken wings approx 24-30
  • grated rind of 1 lemon
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade: First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with the grated lemon rind, lemon juice, honey, coconut aminos, grated fresh ginger, and chopped fresh mint.
  • Marinate the Wings: Next, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken wings overnight to allow the flavours to fully marinate. If you're short on time, a few hours will work too, but the longer the marination, the tastier the wings will be. Stir the wings every few hours to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade.
  • Preheat the Barbecue: When ready to cook, preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat.
  • Cook the Wings: Then, barbecue the wings until they are tender and cooked through. Make sure to check that no pink bits remain. During barbecuing, baste the wings with the remaining marinade from the bowl to enhance the flavour.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Finally, serve the Lemon Ginger Chicken Wings hot off the grill with a fresh side salad. They are perfect for a summer BBQ or any gathering with friends and family.

Why This Marinade Works

Lemon brings acidity and brightness that lifts the flavour of the chicken. Ginger adds a warming spice that complements the citrus perfectly. Fresh mint brings a subtle, clean note that balances the richness of the wings. Together, these ingredients create a marinade that’s light but memorable — and totally Paleo-friendly.

Batch Cooking for Convenience

One of my favourite things about this recipe is how well it lends itself to batch cooking. I always make extra because these wings are just as good the next day. Pack them in your lunchbox with a crunchy salad, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge (no judgement here). Having ready-to-go, protein-rich leftovers is a big win for busy weekdays.

Leftovers can also be shredded and added to a leafy salad, or wrapped in lettuce leaves with avocado for a quick, portable meal. The possibilities are endless when you have a solid batch of marinated wings in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to sides, keep things fresh and vibrant. I love pairing these with a crisp carrot and citrus salad, which plays beautifully against the ginger and lemon flavours. A big tray of grilled seasonal vegetables or a vibrant cabbage slaw would also work well.

If you’re going all out, consider serving them alongside sweet potato burgers or even some bread-free burger buns. Everything ties in so well with that fresh, herby flavour running through the wings.

Cooking Methods

Barbecuing these wings imparts an unbeatable smokiness. Just make sure you preheat your grill properly and turn the wings frequently to get that lovely caramelisation on all sides.

If the weather’s not playing ball, the oven works just as well. Line a tray with baking paper, spread out the wings, and roast at 200°C for about 25–30 minutes, turning once. They’ll crisp up beautifully without drying out, and your kitchen will smell incredible while they cook.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Use fresh ginger if you can — the flavour is much brighter and more potent than powdered.
  • Don’t skip the mint. It’s subtle but rounds out the whole dish in a lovely way.
  • Use free-range, organic chicken if possible for the best texture and flavour.
  • Let the wings come to room temperature before cooking — this helps them cook more evenly.

Make It Your Own

This marinade is a fantastic base to play around with. Want a little more heat? Add crushed chilli or a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer a smoky finish? A sprinkle of smoked paprika or ground cumin can do wonders. You could even blend in a spoonful of raw honey or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter twist — perfect if you're serving kids.

Perfect for Entertaining

Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or packing a picnic, these wings are always a crowd pleaser. Their bold yet clean flavours appeal to all tastes, and they’re easy to make in bulk. For presentation, garnish with a few extra mint leaves and lemon wedges — it looks beautiful and invites guests to squeeze over extra citrus.

What Makes These Paleo?

Every ingredient in this recipe sticks closely to Paleo principles. There are no processed sauces or artificial additives, just clean, nourishing ingredients that your body will thank you for. Lemon and ginger both boast impressive anti-inflammatory benefits, and chicken wings are a fantastic source of protein and collagen — especially when cooked on the bone.

Have You Tried It?

If you do give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you make any tweaks or try a different cooking method? Leave a comment and share your take — I always enjoy seeing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens.

For more ideas like this, be sure to check out my other Paleo-friendly dishes and tips. This recipe is just the beginning if you're after bold, healthy meals that don’t sacrifice on flavour.

Lemon Ginger Chicken wings paleo recipe barbeque diet mint

Middle Eastern Duck Salad with Spiced Dressing