Cosmic Moroccan Chicken Salad
Step into a celestial dining experience with the Cosmic Moroccan Chicken Salad, a delightful blend of vibrant flavors from North Africa. Perfectly seasoned and aromatic, this salad offers a captivating spectacle both in taste and in appearance, reminiscent of the August meteor showers. Lean, protein-rich chicken paired with fresh vegetables and a medley of spices creates a dish that is both healthy and fulfilling. Whether you're stargazing or sharing a meal with loved ones under a canopy of stars, this salad is an exquisite choice, embodying the essence of a warm Mediterranean night.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
2 whole (cooked, boned, skinned, and shredded)
red bell pepper
1 large (thinly sliced)
red onion
1 (thinly sliced)
toasted cumin seed
1 tablespoon (ground)
cayenne
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (as preferred)
paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic
2 tablespoons (finely minced)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (none)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
chicken broth
1 cup (none)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
cilantro
1/2 cup (finely minced)
fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup (finely minced)
kalamata olives
1/4 cup (pitted and halved)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Cook the chicken breasts by roasting, broiling, or poaching until fully cooked. Once cooled, remove bones and skin, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together ground cumin, cayenne, paprika, and minced garlic.
4
Whisk in fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, chicken broth, and olive oil to the spice mixture, creating a fragrant vinaigrette.
5
Add the minced cilantro, parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
6
Once the chicken mixture has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and pour the vinaigrette over it. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
7
Garnish with halved kalamata olives before serving.
8
Enjoy this salad under the stars as a refreshing, aromatic dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cosmic Moroccan Chicken Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring North African flavors, shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables, designed to evoke the essence of a Mediterranean night.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How do I prepare the chicken for this salad?
You can roast, broil, or poach the chicken breasts. Once cooled, remove the bones and skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes thinly sliced red bell pepper and red onion.
What spices are used in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette uses ground cumin, cayenne, and paprika.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely minced garlic.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.
What liquid base is used for the dressing besides oil and vinegar?
The dressing also incorporates 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Which fresh herbs are needed?
You will need 1/2 cup each of finely minced cilantro and fresh Italian parsley.
How is the salad garnished?
It is garnished with 1/4 cup of pitted and halved kalamata olives.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
The chicken and vegetable mixture should be refrigerated until chilled before adding the dressing.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this salad?
Yes, you can use between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne depending on your preference.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many chicken breasts are required?
The recipe uses 2 whole chicken breasts.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
The first step is to combine the shredded chicken, red bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl and chill them.
How should the cumin be prepared?
The cumin seeds should be toasted and then ground.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, protein-rich dish using lean chicken and fresh vegetables.
What makes the salad 'Cosmic'?
The name and description refer to its captivating appearance and flavors, reminiscent of August meteor showers and stargazing.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Should the cilantro and parsley be chopped?
Yes, they should be finely minced.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the dressing mixture to taste.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Salads.
Is the red onion cooked?
No, the red onion is thinly sliced and added raw to the salad for crunch and flavor.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces for a tender texture.
Does the recipe use chicken broth?
Yes, 1 cup of chicken broth is whisked into the spice mixture.
What kind of olives are best for this recipe?
Kalamata olives are specified for their distinct Mediterranean flavor.
How do I ensure the vinaigrette is well blended?
You should whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, broth, and oil into the spices and garlic.
Is this a good dish for a summer meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer dish and described as refreshing and aromatic.
When should I add the vinaigrette to the chicken?
Add the vinaigrette once the chicken and vegetable mixture has been thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator.