This Harissa Chicken Salad reminds me of my aunt’s kitchen — always filled with bold spices, laughter, and the smell of grilled chicken on the stove. With a touch of North African heat and a cool, crisp salad base, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and freshness. Whether you’re new to harissa or already love it, this salad will become a favorite in no time!
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp harissa paste
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed greens or romaine
1 cucumber (sliced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ red onion (thinly sliced)
1 avocado (sliced)
Fresh mint or parsley (optional)
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Marinate Chicken: Mix harissa, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Grill or Pan-Fry: Cook chicken on medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
Prepare Salad: In a bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, avocado, and herbs.
Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: Top salad with sliced chicken and drizzle with dressing.
Serve: Enjoy warm or cold!
Use store-bought harissa or make your own for extra flavor control.
Swap chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Serve with warm pita on the side for a fuller meal.