Hot Moroccan Chicken Salad ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 646.8 kcal
- Rating: โญโญโญโญโญ (5 reviews)
Description:
This Hot Moroccan Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining tender grilled chicken with vibrant tomatoes, peppers, and olives, all brought together by a spicy cumin, paprika, and ground red pepper dressing. Served atop a fluffy bed of couscous, it’s a tantalizing dish that will awaken your taste buds to the exotic and aromatic essence of Moroccan cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for rubbing)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing)
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Grill or Broiler: Preheat your grill or broiler and prepare a broiler pan. |
| 2 | Cook the Couscous: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in the couscous and ยฝ teaspoon of salt. Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit to absorb the water. |
| 3 | Prepare the Chicken: Rub olive oil over the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix garlic with ยฝ teaspoon of salt to form a paste. Reserve ยฝ teaspoon of the paste for the dressing, and rub the remaining paste over the chicken. |
| 4 | Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center. |
| 5 | Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the reserved garlic paste with lemon juice, cilantro, white wine vinegar, cumin, and paprika. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, then stir in the finely chopped red onion. |
| 6 | Assemble the Salad: Toss the diced yellow pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and olives in the dressing. |
| 7 | Serve: Fluff the couscous with a fork and spoon onto serving plates. Arrange the grilled chicken on top of the couscous and spoon the dressed vegetables around the chicken. |
| 8 | Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 646.8 kcal
- Fat: 25.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7g
- Cholesterol: 68.4mg
- Sodium: 821mg
- Carbohydrates: 65.7g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Protein: 38g
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of ground red pepper in the dressing.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Make it a complete meal by serving with a side of warm pita bread or roasted vegetables.
This Hot Moroccan Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that transports you to the vibrant streets of Morocco with every bite. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the aromatic spices that dance on your palate, making every moment a delightful experience! ๐๐ฝ๏ธ
