Plant-Based Recipe: Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad with Pistachio & Citrus-Cardamom Vinaigrette

 

Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad 

This vibrant Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad features long, shaved carrot ribbons, a bright aromatic citrus-cardamom vinaigrette and a satisfying crunch from roasted-salty pistachios. The recipe is inspired by Eastern-Mediterranean flavor profiles, utilizing citrus and cardamom to complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.

So, Let’s get started with the recipe!

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings 

Ingredients For the Salad:

1 lb. Organic Rainbow Carrots (approx. 4-6 large)
⅓ Cup Roasted-Salted-Shelled Pistachios (roughly chopped)

For the Citrus-Cardamom Dressing:

¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp. Fresh Orange Juice
1 Tsp. Lemon & Orange Zests
1 Tbsp. Honey or Maple Syrup
1/3 Tsp. Ground Cardamom (or 1/2 tsp crushed cardamom seeds)
1 Small Garlic Clove, grated or finely minced
¼ Tsp. Sea Salt, or to taste

Instructions:

Create the Ribbons: Peel the carrots and remove the ends. Using a vegetable julienne peeler or mandoline, shave the carrots lengthwise into long, thin, paper-thin ribbons.

Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon & orange zests, honey, ground cardamom, garlic and sea salt until well combined and emulsified.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the carrot ribbons and chopped toasted pistachios.

Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften slightly.

Garnish: Top with additional chopped pistachios and herbs before serving. I had a few tiny red biquinho peppers and added those.

Culinary Tips:

Tool: A Y-peeler makes creating long, even ribbons easier.
Color: Use a mix of purple, yellow, and orange carrots to maximize the visual appeal.
Storage: This salad keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and tastes better as it marinades.
Add-ins: Optionally add feta cheese, pomegranate arils, or thinly sliced red onion for more texture and flavor.

Enjoy! Let me know how you made it and share a picture!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Copyright © 2026 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.

Spring Equinox Curation: The Ritual of Spatial Renewal

 

The arrival of Spring brings a powerful wave of renewal, joy, and fresh beginnings. This is your moment to chase your boldest dreams, starting with your immediate physical environment. By engaging in a sacred decluttering ritual, you deep-clean your home to strengthen your spirit, release stagnant energy, and open pathways for growth.

Here is your high-velocity guide to transforming your space into a pristine sanctuary:

1. Strategy & High-Energy Flow

• The 20/10 Rule: Work in focused intervals of 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes of rest to maintain peak energy and completely eliminate burnout.
• Top-to-Bottom Flow: Tackle one room at a time. Always clean from top (ceiling fans, light fixtures) to bottom (floors) so falling dust is captured efficiently. Spread the ritual over a few days to keep it entirely manageable.

2. Intentional Decluttering

• The Three-Pile Method: Clear high-traffic counters and chaotic drawers by instantly sorting items into three distinct tracks: Keep, Donate, or Discard.
• The Rule of Place: Assign a permanent, dedicated functional home to every single item left standing. Extend this purge to your digital workspace to lower hidden mental stress.

3. Deep-Cleaning Masterclass

• Kitchen & Bath: Clean inside appliances and wipe down cabinets. Ruthlessly eliminate mildew spots from bathroom surfaces.
• Textiles & Glass: Launder your linens, rugs, and heavy curtains. Wash windows thoroughly to maximize the intake of pure spring sunlight. Finish by steam-cleaning your carpets.

4. Non-Toxic Chemical Detox

• Plant-Based Solutions: Prioritize your wellness by completely banning harsh, toxic synthetic cleaners.
• Natural Agents: Rely on simple, powerful, non-toxic alternatives like baking soda, white vinegar, and fresh lemon juice to safely lift stubborn dirt and grime without leaving harmful chemical residues.

5. Revitalize the Senses

• Aromatherapy Boost: Diffuse invigorating, pure essential oils like rosemary, lemon, and lavender to immediately elevate your workspace mood.
• Biophilic Design: Finish your spatial curation by bringing fresh life indoors. Decorate with vibrant potted plants or fresh-cut local flowers to anchor positive energy.

6. Tools for Precision

• Assemble your toolkit before you begin to maximize efficiency: microfiber cloths, glass spray bottles, fresh sponges, a room-by-room printable checklist, and a high-performance HEPA-filter vacuum.

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Savor the joy of transforming your home into a beautiful sanctuary of positive energy. For exclusive monthly space curation tips, send me an email to subscribe to my newsletter!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Copyright © 2026 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.

Taste the World: 2026 Plant-Based Mediterranean Cooking & Wine Pairing Classes

 

Insalata di finocchi e arance rosse

(fennel & blood orange salad)

Greetings Foodies & Wine Lovers,

I’m thrilled to share that in 2026 my focus will be exclusively on private culinary experiences, bringing the vibrant world of farm-to-table, plant-based French, Italian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine directly to you!

My popular cooking and wine pairing classes will now be offered exclusively as bespoke, intimate events, ensuring every dish is crafted with organic, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients—including herbes de Provence straight from my garden.

Choose the perfect setting for your next gathering:

🔹 Private Team-Building Events: I’m heading back to my old stomping grounds in Silicon Valley to host bespoke, interactive culinary adventures within high-tech companies. A unique way to connect and collaborate over a shared meal!

🔹 Individual & Small Group Classes: Perfect for private parties, special occasions, or a fun gathering of up to 10 people. Elevate your dinner into a memorable group cooking class for friends and family.

The Ultimate Farm-to-Table Experience, Crafted in Your Home!

As your private chef, I handle everything with care: from custom menu creation featuring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to grocery shopping, cooking, and—best of all—cleanup. You simply relax, indulge, and savor high-quality ingredients and fine wine.

Above photo is a peek at my culinary style: My take on the classic insalata di finocchi e arance rosse (fennel blood orange salad) elevates the traditional Sicilian salad with the rich, jewel-toned flavor of blood oranges and the briny depth of Moroccan olives, finished with a fragrant citrus-cardamom vinaigrette.

As an extra perk, all registered students in my classes will receive a one-time 10% discount offer on all items available (including amazing wines) from the best kitchen store, the Toque Blanche in downtown Santa Cruz and online! Discount code will be provided in each class.

Ready for a magnificent culinary journey? Please contact me to book your private experience and begin custom-crafting your menu!

Bon Appetite!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Copyright © 2026 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.