Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Carrot and Date Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with Moroccan spices, paired with a refreshing carrot and date salad for a flavorful Whole30 dinner. This moroccan-inspired pork (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 320 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mince 4 garlic cloves and add to the spice mixture.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs pork shoulder all over with 3 tbsp olive oil and then coat evenly with the spice and garlic mixture.
  3. Step 3: Place the spiced pork shoulder into a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until meat is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: While the pork cooks, prepare the salad by combining 4 large grated carrots, 1/2 cup chopped Medjool dates, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup toasted almond slivers in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: When pork is done, shred with two forks and serve alongside the carrot and date salad for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Carrot and Date Salad take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Carrot and Date Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Carrot and Date Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Carrot and Date Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Pork Shoulder with Carrot and Date Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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