This Moroccan Chicken Salad is an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures inspired by Moroccan cuisine. Featuring juicy chicken, tangy preserved lemons, sweet dried fruits, briny olives, and earthy spices, this dish is a true flavor adventure. It’s perfect as a sandwich filling, scooped into lettuce leaves, or served on croissant rounds for an elegant appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Sweet, savory, briny, and lightly spiced for a perfect balance.
- Easy to Make: Prep takes just 15 minutes!
- Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich, appetizer, or salad topping.
- Exotic Touch: Moroccan-inspired ingredients like harissa and preserved lemons add unique depth.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Salad
- Cooked Chicken (1 lb): Diced or shredded, it forms the protein-packed base of this salad.
- Tip: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- Kalamata Olives (½ cup): Sliced, rinsed, and drained for a briny, fruity flavor.
- Preserved Lemon (¼ lemon): Finely minced peel adds tangy, salty notes. (Check out the link for a DIY preserved lemon recipe!)
- Cilantro (¼ cup): Freshly chopped for an herbaceous flavor.
- Dried Apricots (¼ cup): Finely chopped for a sweet and chewy contrast.
- Raisins (¼ cup): Add natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Slivered Almonds (¼ cup): Chopped for crunch and nutty flavor.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creamy base that binds the salad.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and balances the mayo.
- Mild Curry Powder (1 tsp): Introduces warm, aromatic spices.
- Honey (1 tsp): Lightly sweetens the dressing.
- Harissa (1 tsp): Adds subtle heat and depth (adjust to taste).
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice or shred cooked chicken.
- Mince preserved lemon (discard the flesh and rinse the peel before chopping).
- Chop the dried apricots, raisins, almonds, and cilantro.
- Slice the Kalamata olives and rinse them to remove excess brine.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, curry powder, honey, harissa, and salt.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Salad
- Add the chopped olives, preserved lemon, cilantro, apricots, raisins, and almonds to the bowl with the dressing.
- Stir to combine.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the diced chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Gently toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
4. Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold.
Serving Ideas
- Sandwich Filling: Spread on fresh bread, croissants, or wraps for a flavorful meal.
- Appetizer:
- Scoop onto Belgium endive leaves for a low-carb option.
- Place on croissant rounds with a piece of lettuce for a colorful presentation.
- Salad Topping: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch.
Tips for Success
- Preserved Lemons: These are key to the dish’s unique flavor. If you can’t find them, check out the recipe for homemade preserved lemons.
- Texture Contrast: Ensure nuts and dried fruits are chopped evenly for the perfect blend of textures in every bite.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes better after chilling, so prepare it a few hours in advance.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more harissa if you like it spicier or omit it for a milder version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 573mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Variations to Try
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegan mayo and sour cream.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or grated carrots for added crunch and color.
Conclusion
This Moroccan Chicken Salad is a unique and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, lunch, or main course, its vibrant blend of sweet and savory ingredients will transport your taste buds straight to Morocco. Give it a try and enjoy the rave reviews!