Carrot Salad with Preserved Lemon and Herbed Yogurt

This Carrot Salad with Preserved Lemon is a simple recipe full of freshness and exotic flavors, thanks to the addition of preserved lemon, which gives a sweet and tangy touch. It's perfect as a starter or as a side dish to your main meals. The Herbed Yogurt that accompanies it provides creamy smoothness and a herbaceous note that perfectly balances the salad’s lively flavors.

Origin and Tradition Preserved lemon is a traditional ingredient in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is often used in tagines, couscous, and salads, and adds a unique depth of flavor with a perfect balance of bitterness and saltiness. When paired with grated carrots and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, it creates a salad that is both refreshing and full of character, a true explosion of flavors.

Ingredients for Carrot Salad with Preserved Lemon (for 4 people):

• 500g fresh carrots, peeled and finely grated
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp preserved lemon, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Herbed Yogurt:

• 1 cup thick, creamy Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions for the Carrot Salad with Preserved Lemon:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Grate the carrots finely using a grater or food processor. You can choose to grate them more or less finely depending on your preference.
   • Finely chop the cilantro and mint. The contrast between the freshness of mint and the lightness of cilantro will balance the salad beautifully.

2. Mix the ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots with the chopped cilantro and mint. Add the finely chopped preserved lemon and fresh lemon juice.
   • Pour in the olive oil and toss everything together until the carrots are well coated in the flavors.

3. Seasoning:

   • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. The salt will bring out the flavors of the preserved lemon, while the pepper will add a subtle spicy note.

4. Refrigeration:

   • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the carrots to soften a bit.

5. Finishing and serving:

   • Before serving, adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, garnish the salad with a few fresh mint or cilantro leaves for a pop of color and additional freshness.

Instructions for Herbed Yogurt:

1. Prepare the herbed yogurt:

   • In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the parsley, chives, and chopped mint. You can adjust the amount of herbs according to your taste.

2. Seasoning:

   • Season the yogurt mixture with salt and pepper according to your preferences. The creamy texture of Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs for a rich, smooth sauce.

3. Refrigeration:

   • Place the herbed yogurt in the refrigerator until ready to serve, so the flavors can develop and blend.

Presentation and Tasting: Serve the Carrot Salad with Preserved Lemon well-chilled, accompanied by the Herbed Yogurt on the side or directly as a topping. The contrast between the freshness of the carrots and the mild tang of the preserved lemon, along with the creamy sweetness of the yogurt, will create a pleasant and balanced taste experience.

This salad is ideal for pairing with spicy, grilled dishes or even meat or fish stews. It can also serve as a light main dish for a summer lunch.

Variations and Tips:

• Additions: If you enjoy crunchier textures, you can add toasted nuts (such as slivered almonds or pecans) for an extra bite.
• Extra herbs: If you like to experiment, you can add a bit of fresh basil or more cilantro for a richer flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: For a slightly sweeter touch, you can add a few drops of balsamic vinegar to the salad, but be careful not to add too much so as not to overpower the preserved lemon flavor.

This Carrot Salad with Preserved Lemon, accompanied by Herbed Yogurt, is a fresh, light, and flavorful recipe that will delight your guests while bringing a Mediterranean touch to your meals. It perfectly embodies the balance between acidity, sweetness, and aromatic herbs, creating a simple yet refined dish.