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Home Ā» Food Ā» Moroccan Chicken Salad

Moroccan Chicken Salad

July 31, 2016 by Kimberly Killebrew Ā· 68 Comments

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The flavors of Morocco come together in this irresistibly delicious Moroccan Chicken Salad recipe! Ā Perfect as a sandwich filling on served on a bed of lettuce leaves!

moroccan chicken salad olives apricots nuts almonds cilantro mayonnaise curry preserved lemons recipeThank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post.

Moroccan food is just downright delicious. Ā It’s considered among the most diverse cuisines in the world, the reason being that for centuries Morocco rubbed shoulders with a number of other culture influences, and they embraced those influences. Ā Moroccan cuisine is primarily Berber-Moorish but also incorporates European influences, especially the Mediterranean.

Moroccan-Chicken-Salad-11

This Moroccan chicken salad isĀ a recipe that I developed a couple of years ago and, incorporating several authentic Moroccan ingredients and flavors, has been a family favorite ever since.Ā  While not by any means a traditional Moroccan dish, it incorporates several authentic Moroccan ingredients and flavors.

Many dishes in Morocco combine such ingredients as meat (mostly commonly chicken) with a variety of textures and flavors like crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruits, honey, harissa (a fiery Moroccan chili paste), olives and, a personal favorite, preserved lemons.Ā  That combination of ingredients is commonly found in tagines, a traditional Moroccan dish cooked in domed ceramic with the same name.

Moroccan-Chicken-Salad-6

We’re going to create a fun and tasty dish that’s kind of like a tagine in the form of a chicken salad.

This Moroccan Chicken Salad isĀ perfect as a filling for sandwiches but is also perfect to serve as an appetizer:Ā  Slice croissants into rounds, place a small piece of lettuce on them and top with a dollop of Moroccan Chicken Salad.Ā  Or, if you’re going for something lighter, low carb or gluten free, you can use Belgium endives:Ā  Remove the leaves and scoop some chicken salad into them.Ā  In both cases a small sprig of cilantro or parsley and a slice or two of black olives makes the perfect garnish.

moroccan chicken salad olives apricots nuts almonds cilantro mayonnaise curry preserved lemons recipe

Moroccan-Chicken-Salad-olives-pic

Olives are an integral part of Moroccan cuisine and are a perfect addition to this chicken salad where they add a touch of salt and a nice earthy flavor. Ā When it comes to choosing which olive to use for this chicken salad, you can go with a mild or stronger olive. Ā If you like a mild olive theĀ Lindsay California Black Olives are a great choice.

If you prefer a stronger olive, Lindsay has a another great option: Ā Kalamata Olives, which I’ve used here. Ā Ā With their deep, purplish tones, Kalamata olives are rich and intensely fruity and stand up well next to bold flavors. Ā They add a nice briney contrast to this Moroccan Chicken Salad which I just love. Ā I’ve used both kinds of olives in this salad but particular enjoy the Kalamatas.

Whichever route you choose, the flavors and textures in this Moroccan Chicken Salad are sure to win you over!

Kalamata-Olives-1-edited

Let’s get started!

Slice the Kalamata olives, finely mince the preserved lemon, and coarsely chop the dried apricots, slivered almonds and cilantro.

diced ingredients

The preserved lemons contribute soooo much to the flavor of this chicken salad. Ā If you can’t find them in your local ethnic foods store you can very easily make them yourself, which is what I do. Ā Check out my recipe for Homemade Preserved Lemons.

preserved lemons recipe

Add everything to medium mixing bowl with all of the remaining ingredients except for the chicken. Ā Stir to combine.

combining ingredients in a bowl

Pour the mixture over the chicken in a large mixing bowl and stir to thoroughly coat the chicken.

combining sauce in bowl

Cover and refrigerate the Moroccan Chicken Salad for at least 2 hours before serving.

mixing ingredients in a bowl

Enjoy as a delicious sandwich spread…

moroccan chicken salad olives apricots nuts almonds cilantro mayonnaise curry preserved lemons recipe

…or, as an appetizer, serve the Moroccan Chicken Salad scooped into endive leaves or on sliced croissant rounds (place a small piece of lettuce on the croissant slices to add color, texture and to prevent the croissant from getting soggy).

Enjoy!

moroccan chicken salad olives apricots nuts almonds cilantro mayonnaise curry preserved lemons recipe

moroccan chicken salad recipe olives preserved lemon nuts dried fruits apricots

Moroccan Chicken Salad

Kimberly Killebrew
The flavors of Morocco come together in this irresistibly delicious Moroccan Chicken Salad that's perfect as a sandwich filling or served on a bed of lettuce!
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Moroccan
Servings 6
Calories 367 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast , diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata Olives , rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 finely minced preserved lemon , flesh discarded; thoroughly rinse the peel before mincing
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped slivered almonds
  • 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon harissa
  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients except for the chicken in a bowl and stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the chicken in a large mixing bowl and stir to thoroughly coat the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • Enjoy as a sandwich filling or as an appetizer serve it scooped into endive leaves or sliced croissant rounds (place a small piece of lettuce on the croissant slices to add color, texture and to prevent the croissant from getting soggy).

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 573mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 441IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg
Keyword Moroccan Chicken Salad
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

Thank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post. Ā All opinions are entirely my own.

 

 

 

 

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68 Responses

  1. Barbara says

    July 3, 2020 at 11:37 am

    How do you think it would taste if I left out the apricots and cilantro?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 3, 2020 at 1:18 pm

      About half as good, Barbara! :)

      Reply
  2. Lora says

    March 4, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    Hi,
    This isn’t specifically about this recipe, but I just thought I should let you know that Morocco is in Africa and not the Middle East.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      March 4, 2018 at 3:22 pm

      That is absolutely correct, Lora. Where is it you think I suggested otherwise?

      Reply
  3. Sara says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:12 am

    Argh, this recipe is making me wish I didn’t hate olives and their evil caper cousins! Any suggestions on something else I might substitute in this recipe to get that salty kick?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 15, 2016 at 11:16 am

      Lol, Sara! Well, there’s really no adequate substitute for olives, they’re so unique. That said, if you simply leave them out this chicken salad will still taste awesome.

      Reply
  4. Kate H. says

    August 9, 2016 at 3:52 pm

    I made this for lunch today and it is SOOOOOO good!!! I didn’t change anything except that I didn’t have harissa so I used a spicy curry powder instead to give it a touch of kick. This is seriously the best chicken salad I’ve ever had. I brought extra with me to work and a couple of my co-workers tried it. Everyone wants the recipe, lol :) THANK YOU for this amazing recipe, I will definitely be making it again and again!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 9, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      That’s awesome, Kate, I’m so glad you and your co-workers enjoyed it, thanks so much for letting us know!

      Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    August 8, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    Such a great Summer recipe, my entire family would love this. Especially with these perfect olives!

    Reply
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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!Ā  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.Ā  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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