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
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.
