Chicken Shawarma Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. It combines tender, marinated chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of warm, aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and coriander, then grilled or pan-seared to achieve a smoky, slightly charred flavor.
The salad base usually consists of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy onions, often topped with olives or pickled vegetables for an extra punch of flavor. To elevate the dish, it's drizzled with a creamy, zesty dressing such as tahini sauce, garlic yogurt, or a lemon vinaigrette. Some variations may include toppings like crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, or toasted pita chips for added richness.
Chicken Shawarma Salad is not only delicious but also a wholesome, protein-packed option that's perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. It caters to diverse dietary preferences and can be customized easily, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals and food lovers alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:4 cups mixed lettuce (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing:1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best)
2 tbsp tahini
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions# Marinate the Chicken: - In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
# Cook the Chicken: - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
# Prepare the Salad: - In a large salad bowl, arrange the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
# Make the Dressing: - In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
# Assemble the Salad: - Top the salad with the sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley or mint, if desired.
# Serve and Enjoy: - Toss everything gently before serving, or serve with dressing on the side.
Tips:* For added crunch, include toasted pita chips or roasted chickpeas.
* You can substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
* Adjust spice levels in the marinade and dressing to suit your taste.