Name: Harissa Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed Healthy Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: North African-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade:; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp harissa paste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; For the Salad:; 6 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/3 cup feta cheese (optional); For the Dressing:; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or 2 tbsp tahini; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp harissa paste (optional, for heat); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1–2 tbsp water (to thin); Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Harissa Chicken Salad is a bold, vibrant, and satisfying dish that I love making when I want something healthy without sacrificing flavor. The spicy kick of harissa, combined with tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a refreshing dressing, creates a balanced meal that keeps me coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this salad hits all the right notes—it’s spicy, smoky, crunchy, and cooling all at once. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and light. Harissa brings a North African flair that instantly elevates the dish, and everything comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Harissa paste
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Mixed greens or romaine lettuce
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Avocado, sliced
Feta cheese (optional)
Greek yogurt or tahini (for the dressing)
Salt and pepper

Directions

I start by marinating the chicken in harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes (longer if I have the time).
I grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked, then let it rest before slicing.
While the chicken cooks, I prep the salad base with greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
For the dressing, I whisk together Greek yogurt or tahini with lemon juice, a bit of harissa, olive oil, salt, and water to thin it out.
I arrange the sliced chicken over the salad and drizzle the dressing over the top. A sprinkle of feta cheese finishes it off if I want an extra layer of flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 10–15 minutes to cook. If I marinate the chicken in advance, the salad comes together in just about 30 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes use rotisserie chicken if I’m in a rush and just toss it with a little harissa for a shortcut. For a low-carb version, I skip the avocado or reduce the cheese. I’ve also served the salad in pita pockets or over couscous when I want to make it more filling. Adding chickpeas or quinoa is another great way to bulk it up.

Storage/Reheating

I store the chicken and salad components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before adding it to fresh greens. If the dressing thickens in the fridge, I stir in a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.

FAQs

What is harissa and where can I find it?

Harissa is a spicy chili paste from North Africa. I usually find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores or in specialty food shops.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep all the components ahead and assemble just before serving. I keep the dressing and chicken separate to maintain freshness.

Is this salad very spicy?

It has a noticeable kick, but I can control the heat by using less harissa or mixing it with yogurt or tahini to mellow it out.

What’s a good substitute for harissa?

If I don’t have harissa, I use a mix of chili paste, smoked paprika, and cumin for a similar flavor profile.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely. Grilling adds a smoky depth that I really enjoy in this recipe, especially during the warmer months.

Conclusion

This Harissa Chicken Salad is one of my go-to meals when I want something healthy, quick, and full of flavor. The combination of spicy chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing makes it anything but boring. It’s satisfying, customizable, and perfect for any night of the week.