Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts

Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts Recipe - Country of Origin: Morocco

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the exotic flavors of Morocco with the freshness of a salad. This recipe is perfect for a light and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.

History

Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique combinations of spices. This salad is inspired by traditional Moroccan dishes that often feature a mix of sweet and savory ingredients. The addition of oranges, almonds, and herbes de provence in this recipe gives it a distinct Moroccan flair.

Ingredients

Dressing

0.25 cup olive oil
0.25 cup orange juice
0.13 tsp cumin
salt to taste
herbes de provence, to taste

Salad

6 oz (170 g) package of baby spinach
0.5 cup seasoned almonds
0.25 cup feta cheese
4 cooked and sliced boneless chicken breasts
2 peeled and sliced oranges

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
Place the spinach in a separate bowl and mix it with almonds and cheese.
Divide the mixed salad onto 4 dinner plates.
Top each salad with chicken and garnish with orange slices.
Drizzle the dressing over each salad according to taste.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu instead.
Add some chopped dates or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken breasts well before cooking to enhance the flavor of the salad.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the salad will bring out their nutty flavor and add a nice crunch.

- Be sure to toss the salad ingredients gently to avoid crushing the spinach leaves.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a side of couscous or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

To cook the chicken breasts, you can grill, bake, or pan-sear them until they are cooked through.

- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly browned.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of nuts in place of almonds, such as walnuts or pecans.

- If you don't have herbes de provence, you can use a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad ingredients in a colorful and appealing way on the plate to make it visually appealing. Drizzle the dressing over the top in a decorative pattern.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may separate, so be sure to give it a good shake before serving. Reheat the chicken separately if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts contains about 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 28 grams of protein per serving, this salad is a great source of lean protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the oranges and spinach, calcium from the feta cheese, and iron from the almonds.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (feta cheese), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a mix of sweet and savory ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Fatima in her quaint little kitchen. Fatima was an amazing cook, and I always marveled at the delicious dishes she could whip up with such ease.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was immediately enveloped in the enticing aromas of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Fatima had a large bowl of marinated chicken breasts sitting on the counter, marinating in a fragrant blend of Moroccan spices. She explained to me that she was going to grill the chicken and toss it with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and nuts to create a vibrant and flavorful salad.

I watched intently as Fatima expertly grilled the chicken, turning it until it was perfectly cooked and charred on the outside. She then sliced the chicken into bite-sized pieces and placed them in a large salad bowl. Next, she added a colorful array of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions, along with a generous handful of fresh cilantro and mint.

For the dressing, Fatima combined olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a blend of Moroccan spices in a small bowl. She whisked the dressing together until it was well mixed and poured it over the salad, tossing everything together so that the flavors melded beautifully. Finally, she sprinkled a handful of toasted almonds and pistachios over the top for a satisfying crunch.

As I watched Fatima put the finishing touches on the salad, I couldn't wait to try it. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas had my mouth watering, and I knew that this dish was going to be something truly special.

When we sat down to eat, the salad was even more delicious than I had imagined. The tender, juicy chicken was perfectly complemented by the crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs. The dressing added a zesty brightness to the dish, while the toasted nuts provided a satisfying crunch.

I asked Fatima where she had learned to make such a wonderful salad, and she smiled and told me that she had picked up the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it uniquely their own.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about Fatima's Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself, so I asked her to teach me. She happily agreed, and we spent an entire afternoon in her kitchen, going over the recipe step by step until I felt confident enough to make it on my own.

Over the years, I have made Fatima's Moroccan Chicken Salad with Dressing and Nuts countless times, each time adding my own little touches to make it my own. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that never fails to impress and delight anyone who tries it.

I am grateful to Fatima for sharing her family recipe with me, and I cherish the memories of that warm summer day when I first learned how to make this delicious and flavorful dish. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of good food and the joy of sharing it with loved ones.