Description
A vibrant and flavorful charred harissa chicken salad featuring a smoky marinated chicken thigh, crisp apple slices, tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all enhanced with a creamy, herby yogurt dressing. This salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, combining smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors with a delightful char from the air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Herby Yogurt Dressing
- 10g dill
- 10g parsley
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Salad Components
- 40g pea shoots
- 40g rocket
- ½ red apple, skin on and sliced thinly
- 50g feta, crumbled
- 25g dried cranberries
- 25g walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade and chicken: In a bowl, mix together garlic granules, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and harissa paste until well combined. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs flat in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 16-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a charred exterior. Remove and let the chicken cool slightly, then slice roughly.
- Make the herby yogurt dressing: In a blender, combine dill, parsley, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the salad: On a serving platter, toss the pea shoots and rocket with half of the herby yogurt dressing. Scatter the thin apple slices, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts evenly over the greens.
- Finish and serve: Add a dollop of the remaining herby yogurt dressing on top. Arrange the sliced, charred harissa chicken over the salad. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor, but a quick 20-minute marination also works well.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- The salad components can be adjusted according to preference or availability; other nuts like almonds or pecans also work well.
- For a spicier kick, add extra harissa paste to the marinade or dressing.
- This salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: harissa chicken salad, air fryer chicken, herby yogurt dressing, Mediterranean salad, healthy chicken salad
