Q1: What can I use if I don't have harissa paste, and how much should I substitute?

If you can't find harissa paste, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of tomato paste with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 minced garlic clove. This will give you approximately 2 tablespoons of harissa-like paste as called for in Step 3. Alternatively, you can use sriracha or another chili paste, though the flavor profile will be different—start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. Keep in mind that authentic harissa has a more complex, smoky flavor that these substitutes won't perfectly replicate, but they'll still provide the necessary heat and depth to the dressing.

Q2: How do I know when the almonds are properly toasted in Step 1, and what happens if I burn them?

In Step 1, properly toasted almonds should be golden brown in color and release a nutty, fragrant aroma after 3-4 minutes of stirring over medium heat. The key indicator is watching for a color change from pale to light golden—they'll continue to darken slightly even after removing them from heat, so transfer them to a plate immediately when they reach a light golden color. If you accidentally burn them (they'll turn very dark brown or black and smell acrid), you'll need to discard them and start over, as burnt almonds will add a bitter taste to your salad. To prevent burning, stir constantly and never leave the skillet unattended during this short toasting process.

Q3: Can I make this salad dairy-free or vegan, and what substitutions would work best?

Yes, this Mediterranean diet salad can easily be adapted for dairy-free or vegan diets. In Step 6, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative made from tofu or cashews, which are increasingly available in grocery stores. For the honey used in Step 3's dressing, substitute an equal amount (1 tablespoon) of maple syrup or agave nectar to maintain the sweetness that balances the spicy harissa. The rest of the ingredients—carrots, almonds, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices—are already plant-based, so these two simple swaps will make the entire dish vegan while maintaining the flavor balance and Mediterranean character of the recipe.

Q4: I don't have a vegetable peeler—what other equipment can I use to create the carrot ribbons in Step 2?

While the Equipment list specifies a vegetable peeler for Step 2, you can use a mandoline slicer with a julienne blade attachment to create thin carrot strips, though they won't be quite as ribbon-like. Alternatively, if you have good knife skills, you can use a sharp chef's knife or santoku knife to carefully slice the carrots into very thin, wide strips lengthwise—this requires more time and practice but produces similar results. A box grater's wide slicing side can also work in a pinch, though the ribbons will be shorter and less elegant. If none of these options appeal to you, you could simply grate the carrots on the large holes of a box grater for a different texture, though you'll lose the distinctive ribbon presentation that makes this salad visually striking.

Harissa-Spiced Carrot Ribbon Salad

This stunning Harissa-Spiced Carrot Ribbon Salad transforms humble carrots into a show-stopping side dish that captures the bold, aromatic spirit of North African cuisine. Using a vegetable peeler to create delicate ribbons, the carrots become elegant, tender strands that beautifully absorb the fiery harissa dressing while maintaining their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch.

Harissa, the beloved Tunisian chili paste made from roasted red peppers, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and coriander, provides the perfect counterpoint to the carrots' natural sugars. When combined with extra virgin olive oil, a touch of honey, and bright lemon juice, it creates a dressing that's simultaneously spicy, sweet, tangy, and aromatic. The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds creamy, salty richness, while toasted almonds contribute an essential nutty crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Perfectly aligned with Mediterranean diet principles, this salad celebrates fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and modest amounts of cheese and nuts. It's an ideal make-ahead dish that actually improves as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld and the carrot ribbons to soften slightly while retaining their bite. Whether served at a summer barbecue, as part of a mezze spread, or alongside grilled fish or chicken, this vibrant salad brings both visual appeal and complex, satisfying flavors to any table.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. While it looks restaurant-worthy, it requires no cooking and comes together in just 20 minutes. The colorful ribbons create natural visual interest, especially when using a mix of orange, yellow, and purple carrots. Fresh cilantro adds herbaceous brightness, though parsley or mint make excellent substitutions for those who prefer different flavor profiles.

Mia

Recipe Author: Welcome to Mia's Kitchen, where every recipe is plant-forward, anti-inflammatory, and full of flavor. Her meals make it easy to eat well, support gut health, and enjoy balanced, wholesome cooking at home.

Nutrition

25 minutes

None servings

245 calories

Fat 17.00g

Carbs 19.00g

Protein 6.00g

Ingredients

2 lbs	carrots, peeled
1/2 cup	sliced almonds
2 tbsp	harissa paste
1/4 cup	extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp	honey
2 tbsp	lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 tsp	ground cumin
1/2 tsp	salt
1/4 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground
4 oz	feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup	fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 clove	garlic, minced

Equipment

Whisk

tongs

large mixing bowl

serving platter

small bowl

small skillet

vegetable peeler

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense salad is ideal for 16:8 intermittent fasting eating windows, providing sustained energy from complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein to help meet daily nutritional needs within the 8-hour timeframe. The fiber-rich vegetables and satisfying fats promote fullness and stable blood sugar throughout the fasting period.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods (carrots, almonds, olive oil, fresh herbs) while allowing modest amounts of cheese and honey for flavor and satisfaction. The emphasis on fresh vegetables and anti-inflammatory ingredients makes this solidly in the nutritious 80% category.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This salad is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including colorful carrots (high in beta-carotene), extra virgin olive oil, almonds, and anti-inflammatory spices like cumin and garlic. The fresh herbs, lemon juice, and whole food ingredients provide antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation while avoiding processed foods and refined sugars.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state: fresh carrots, raw nuts, real cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs. Every ingredient is recognizable and free from artificial additives, preservatives, or refined sugars.

Flexitarian Diet

This plant-forward salad exemplifies flexitarian eating by featuring vegetables as the main component with nuts and a modest amount of cheese for added protein and satisfaction. The recipe is built on whole, minimally processed ingredients with no meat, making it perfect for those prioritizing plant-based meals.

Gluten-Free Diet

This naturally gluten-free salad contains no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients, relying entirely on fresh vegetables, nuts, cheese, olive oil, and naturally gluten-free spices and herbs. It's a safe and delicious option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy salad features cardiovascular-protective ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, almonds (rich in monounsaturated fats), and fiber-rich carrots, while keeping saturated fat moderate and avoiding processed ingredients. The anti-inflammatory spices and fresh herbs provide additional heart benefits without excessive sodium.

High-Fiber Diet

This salad is excellent for high-fiber diets, with carrots providing substantial dietary fiber along with almonds and fresh herbs. The combination of vegetables and nuts delivers both soluble and insoluble fiber to support digestive health and satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense salad is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing sustained energy from complex carbohydrates in carrots, healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, and protein from feta cheese. The high fiber content and balanced macronutrients help maintain satiety throughout fasting periods while maximizing nutritional value during limited eating times.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying salad honors intuitive eating principles by offering a balanced combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients without restriction or guilt. The recipe celebrates food pleasure through bold spices and varied textures while providing genuine nourishment from vegetables, healthy fats, and protein.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This salad follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing abundant vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, and whole, unprocessed ingredients. The recipe is nutrient-dense with appropriate portions of cheese and nuts, avoiding refined grains and added sugars while supporting sustainable healthy eating.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean diet principles with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil, abundant fresh vegetables (carrots), nuts (almonds), and modest amounts of cheese. The harissa spice blend, lemon juice, and fresh herbs provide flavor without excessive salt, while the dish celebrates whole, minimally processed ingredients that are staples of Mediterranean cuisine.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet-approved ingredients including vegetables (carrots), nuts (almonds), olive oil as the primary fat, and anti-inflammatory spices. The emphasis on whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich vegetables aligns perfectly with cognitive health and neuroprotection goals.

Mindful Eating

This vibrant salad is perfect for mindful eating with its engaging array of colors, textures (crunchy almonds, tender ribbons, creamy feta), and bold flavors that encourage slow, conscious consumption. The whole food ingredients and varied sensory elements naturally promote awareness and appreciation of each bite.

Vegetarian Diet

This completely vegetarian salad features no meat, poultry, or fish, instead relying on vegetables, nuts, and dairy (feta cheese) for a satisfying and nutritionally balanced dish. The combination of carrots, almonds, and feta provides a good mix of fiber, healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.

Weight Watchers

This salad aligns with Weight Watchers principles by emphasizing vegetables as the star ingredient, using healthy fats in moderation (olive oil, almonds), and including a small amount of cheese for satisfaction. The recipe is nutrient-dense, flavorful, and portion-controlled, making it an excellent choice for weight management without feeling restrictive.

Instructions

5 min

Place a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.

Using a vegetable peeler, create long ribbons from the peeled carrots by running the peeler down the length of each carrot. Continue peeling until you reach the core, rotating the carrot as you work. Discard the thin cores or save them for another use. Place the carrot ribbons in a large mixing bowl.

10 min

In a small bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more harissa for heat or honey for sweetness.

2 min

Pour the harissa dressing over the carrot ribbons. Using your hands or tongs, gently toss the ribbons to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the dressing. Be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate ribbons.