Author Notes
North African dishes often pair sweet with savory in a complex and oh-so-satisfying way. The sweetness from the apple and dried apricot pairs perfectly with the salty olives and tangy, warming yogurt dressing. I love this over a bed of greens or a bowl of rice. Grilling the chicken is not a requirement; cook it any way that you like!
FYI: Turmeric and ginger are 2 of my favorite spices because of their amazing healing properties. So dig in! —Natalie
Test Kitchen Notes
This North African twist on chicken salad is simple, and full of varied textures and flavors that wow the palate. From the crispy apple and walnut crunch, to the salty olive and tangy lemon bite, to the sweet apricot finish, this dish is quite honestly my favorite homemade Middle Eastern meal yet! Its versatility also makes this a keeper, as leftovers from a hearty dinner served with rice or over a salad can be enjoyed stuffed in a pita pocket for lunch! —Annika Kay
Ingredients
- For the marinade:
-
1 pound
boneless, skinless chicken breast
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2 teaspoons
paprika
-
2 tablespoons
olive oil
-
2 teaspoons
balsamic vinegar
-
1/2 teaspoon
salt
-
1
garlic clove, smashed
- For the salad:
-
1/4 cup
plain, whole-milk yogurt
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1 tablespoon
olive oil
-
1/2
lemon, juiced
-
1/2 teaspoon
ground ginger
-
1/4 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
-
1/2 teaspoon
ground turmeric
-
1 teaspoon
paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper (optional)
-
1/4 teaspoon
salt
-
1
garlic clove, minced
-
1/4 cup
green olives, pitted and chopped
-
1/4 cup
dried apricots, chopped
-
1/2
Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
-
1/4 cup
toasted walnuts, chopped
-
2 tablespoons
chopped fresh mint
Directions
-
Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken and turn over to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 3 hours.
-
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium and cook chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and garlic. Add in the chicken, olives, dried apricots, apple, walnuts and mint. Toss to combine. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
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