Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad

Published on May 04, 2018

  by   Kristina Stosek

32 reviews

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: minutes Serves: 6
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This plant-based Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad is packed with exotic Moroccan flavors, and fresh herbs and is super easy to prepare. The fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, spices, olive oil, lemon juice and raisins complete the salad to perfection.

moroccan chickpea rice salad in a large salad bowl

wholesome rice salad made simply

A mix of rice and chickpeas, fresh veggies, raisins, plenty of fresh lemon juice with a splash of olive oil, and fresh herbs to balance out the earthy chickpeas. So much healthiness!

This simple to prepare Moroccan rice salad isn’t a weekday salad, but an exotic “company’s coming” salad. The rice and chickpea salad is hands down one of our favorite rice salads.

moroccan chickpea rice salad in a bowl with wooden salad spoon

FAQS about Moroccan Rice Salad

 

What is Moroccan Rice Salad? 

Moroccan Rice Salad is a flavorful and colorful salad that combines cooked rice with a variety of ingredients commonly found in Moroccan cuisine. It typically includes vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating a refreshing and nutritious dish.

What are the main ingredients in Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad? 

The main ingredients in Moroccan Rice Salad include cooked rice (usually long-grain or basmati), chickpeas, raisins, carrots, bell peppers, red onions, fresh herbs (such as mint and parsley), and a dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, ginger, and Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon and turmeric.

Is Moroccan Rice Salad typically served hot or cold? 

Moroccan Rice Salad is usually served cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish on a hot day.

Can I customize the ingredients in Moroccan Rice Salad? 

Yes, you can customize Moroccan Rice Salad to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can add ingredients like dried apricots, or nuts for added texture and flavor. Additionally, you can adjust the spice levels and herbs according to your liking.

Is Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad gluten-free? 

Moroccan Rice Salad is vegan and naturally gluten-free. However, you must use gluten-free rice and check the ingredients of any spices you use to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

How can I store Moroccan Rice Salad? 

To store Moroccan Rice Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 – 5 days. Before serving leftovers, you may want to refresh the salad with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.

moroccan chickpea rice salad in a bowl with wooden salad spoon

Moroccan chickpea rice salad

What can I serve with Moroccan Rice Salad? 

Moroccan Rice Salad can be served as a standalone dish or as a side dish alongside various Moroccan or Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It pairs well  vegan mains such as Gluten Free Falafel Burger, grilled meats, seafood such as Salmon Burgers with Water Chestnuts.

Or, as a complement to roasted veggies such as the Baked Yams Stuffed with Roasted Spiced Veggies.

Is Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad a traditional Moroccan dish? 

While the flavors and ingredients in Moroccan Rice Salad draw inspiration from Moroccan cuisine, it is not considered a traditional Moroccan dish. It’s more of a fusion salad that incorporates Moroccan flavors and ingredients into a rice-based salad.

Can I make Moroccan Rice Salad spicy? 

Yes, if you enjoy spicy food, you can add some heat to your Moroccan Rice Salad by incorporating chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dressing. Adjust the spice level to your taste.

Remember that Moroccan Rice Salad is a versatile dish, and you can adapt it to your preferences, making it an exotic addition to your meals.

cooked rice with turmeric in a pot

Moroccan chickpea rice salad recipe details

This salad is probably one of the simplest salads to make. Here are the details:

STEP ONE: Cool the rice first

STEP TWO: Add remaining ingredients to the cooled rice, and mix to combine

STEP THRE: Rest the salad to develop flavors

The zesty lemon and olive oil combined with spices, garlic, ginger and fresh herbs infuses the rice and chickpeas with so much flavour and freshness. However, it needs time to rest.

rice, raisins, chickpeas, carrots, red onions, herbs and spices in a bowl

The combination of rice and chickpeas are a perfect match. In addition, by combining the two, this plant-based salad becomes a complete protein.

What is a complete protein?

When following a plant-based diet, our concern is whether we are getting enough complete protein. 

A complete protein, also known as a high-quality protein, is a food source that contains all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts that the human body requires for optimal health and functioning. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from the diet.

The nine essential amino acids are:

  • Histidine
  • Isoleucine
  • Leucine
  • Lysine
  • Methionine
  • Phenylalanine
  • Threonine
  • Tryptophan
  • Valine

Foods considered complete proteins typically come from animal sources, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. These sources generally contain all nine essential amino acids in the right proportions for human needs.

However, there are also plant-based sources of complete proteins, though they are relatively rare. Soy products (like tofu and tempeh) and quinoa are examples of plant-based complete proteins. They provide all nine essential amino acids, making them valuable protein sources for vegetarians and vegans.

Most other plant-based protein sources are considered incomplete proteins because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. However, combining different plant-based protein sources in a meal, such as beans and rice, you can still obtain all the essential amino acids necessary for a complete protein profile.

In summary, a complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids in the appropriate proportions, and it can come from both animal and specific plant-based sources. While animal products are complete proteins, vegetarians and vegans can achieve complete protein intake by combining different plant-based protein sources, such as this Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad.

Can I make Moroccan Chickpea Rice Salad in advance? 

Yes, Moroccan Rice Salad is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can prepare it a few hours or even a day ahead of serving.

There is so much going on in this rice and chickpea salad that it’s anything but boring. The leftovers make for a delicious lunch or a snack on the following days.

Rice salads come in handy when entertaining large gatherings and summer barbecues because you can prepare the salad well in advance and have it ready when you need it.

10-minute rice salad

I know this salad recipe has a long list of ingredients. However, they are mostly spices. This Moroccan salad’s two main ingredients are rice and chickpeas, making this a simple recipe.

The salad takes only minutes to put together, but it has to rest for at least thirty minutes for the flavors to develop. And yes, it is vegan.

moroccan rice salad on a wooden spoon

We especially love this Moroccan rice salad because it will keep for a few days when refrigerated, and tastes even more delicious each day as the flavors develop.

The best part, you can bring this salad to barbecues, or large gatherings and you don’t have to worry about keeping it chilled.

If you like the flavours of Moroccan cuisine, check out this Lamb Stew with Saffron Ginger and Green Beans Recipe.

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Many thanks!

Kristina xx

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Kate

A family BBQ favourite, made it lots of times Thank you

Aaron Kilgour

Whole family enjoyed. Will make this again

Teresa

This is delightful. I didn't have raisins, so I added dried cranberries instead, but it still was quite tasty. This will become a staple in my house!

Kristina

that sounds delicious Janette, thank you for sharing!

Janette

I needed a gluten free recipe for a Christmas gathering, this was delicious I put dried apricots, honey and preserved lemon in and replaced the spices with ras el hanout I will certainly make it again. Thank you.

Vera

very tasty, thank you for the recipe

Jane

I love the flavours and the textures. Being vegan, this salad is often my go to meal.

Kristina

thank you Debbie!

Debbite Z.

this rice salad is so tasty, thank you!

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