Easy Chicken Shawarma Salad Recipe

Understanding how to turn a classic street food into a nutritious meal? Let’s talk about Chicken Shawarma Salad – it’s where the tender, spiced delight of chicken shawarma meets the crisp freshness of salad greens.

For those seeking a healthy yet delicious meal option, this dish is customizable and compatible with various dietary needs. This makes it a versatile choice for any day of the week.

Preparing for a light lunch or a satiating dinner doesn’t have to be a complex chore. This salad embodies a fusion of savory flavors and satisfying textures, all while packing a nutritional punch.

Curious about crafting the perfect Chicken Shawarma Salad at home? You’re in the right place to discover just that!

Key Takeaways

• Chicken Shawarma Salad is a delicious, healthy meal option.
• It can be customized to suit dietary preferences.
• The right balance of flavors and textures is key for the perfect salad.

What is Shawarma?

Have you ever strolled through a Middle Eastern bazaar, the alluring aroma of spices drawing you to a rotating spit? That’s shawarma in the making—layers of juicy lamb, beef, or chicken flavored with a unique blend of Middle Eastern Spices.

Shawarma started as popular street food in the Middle East, with its roots planted firmly in Turkey. The simple yet exquisite preparation method, where meat is slow-roasted on a spit, made shawarma an instant hit.

See Also: Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe

Traditional Shawarma Vs Modern Variations

Now, let’s talk twists and turns. Traditional shawarma, which might have included lamb or beef, has taken on new forms. Enter the chicken shawarma, a lighter but equally flavorful variant that’s become a mainstay in shawarma joints worldwide.

While traditional shawarma relied on a less complex seasoning, modern takes aren’t shy about experimenting with tastes.

From zesty sauces to a rainbow of pickled veggies, chicken shawarma salad exemplifies how this age-old dish has adapted, ensuring every forkful is a mix of the past and a taste of innovation.

Chicken Shawarma Salad Recipe | Ingredients

Selecting the Best Chicken

Choosing the right cut of chicken is crucial for your salad. Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor. Look for thighs that have a little fat on them, which helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. It’s also best to opt for boneless, skinless pieces for easy marinating and cooking.

Authentic Shawarma Marinade and Spices

The soul of this dish lies in its marinade—a mixture of warm, aromatic spices and liquids that tenderize and infuse the chicken.

To create an authentic shawarma marinade, you’ll need:

• Olive Oil: For richness and moisture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
• Garlic Clove: Mince it for a pungent kick.
• Spices like Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Coriander, Cinnamon, and Cardamom: These must be blended well for that signature shawarma flavor profile.

Marinate your chicken for at least an hour (or overnight) to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Prepping Fresh Veggies for the Salad

A shawarma salad isn’t complete without a bed of crisp vegetables. You’ll need:

• Romaine Lettuce: Chop it for a crunchy base.
• Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Red Onion: Dice these for a burst of juicy freshness.
• Herbs like Parsley and Mint: Finely chop and scatter to add herby brightness.
• Tahini: Drizzle over the top for a creamy, sesame-flavored finish.

Toss your greens and veggies in a light dressing before topping with your marinated, cooked chicken for a balanced, flavor-packed meal.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Salad

Ready to bring your Chicken Shawarma Salad to life? Think of it like a masterpiece you’re about to create. Your canvas? The salad bowl. Your paint? All the colorful, crisp, and savory ingredients you’ll layer upon one another. We’re talking about succulents strips of marinated chicken, a rainbow of veggies, and that pièce de résistance—the dressing.

With each element, you have the chance to construct a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight with every bite.

Layering Techniques for the Perfect Salad Bowl

Before you dive in, let’s chat about those layers:

• Start with Greens: A fluffy bed of lettuce or mixed greens forms the perfect foundation.
• Add the Veggies: Scatter some sliced cucumbers, and halved cherry tomatoes, followed by a sprinkle of feta cheese for a creamy bite.
• Chicken Shawarma: Now, for the star of the show—the chicken shawarma. Ensuring it’s well-coated in those beautiful spices and perfectly cooked, place your chicken on top.
• Garnishes Galore: Toss in a few kalamata olives for a briny touch and toasted pita bread for crunch.

Remember, the key here is to not just pile, but to strategically place each ingredient to ensure every forkful is a mix of all the good stuff.

Making the Perfect Dressing to Complement the Salad

Now, to tie it all together:

1. Tahini Time: Blend tahini with fresh lemon juice, a touch of olive oil—don’t be shy to get your tahini dressing smooth and tangy.
2. Season and Adjust: A bit of salt and pepper can turn a great dressing into an unforgettable one. Taste as you go!

The dressing is your salad’s best friend. Drizzle it generously and watch the salad come alive with moisture and flavor that infuses every bite. Your Chicken Shawarma Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an adventure on a plate!

See Also: Easy Summer Salad Recipes

FAQs

How can I make a Chicken Shawarma Salad at home?

Chicken Shawarma Salad can be created with marinated chicken that’s full of zesty spices and aromatics like cumin and garlic. After marinading, the chicken can be grilled or roasted and served atop a bed of crisp greens and veggies. The real charm comes in tossing it all with a dressing that brings the unmistakable shawarma flavor to a fresh salad.

What’s the calorie count for a typical Chicken Shawarma Salad?

A typical Chicken Shawarma Salad contains a variety of ingredients, and the calorie count can vary. However, a serving may have calories that likewise reflect the generosity of the dish itself – it is both satisfying and indulgent.

Which ingredients are essential for an authentic Chicken Shawarma Salad dressing?

To mirror the authentic Chicken Shawarma dressing, include olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices, such as garlic, cumin, and paprika. The goal is to achieve a balance between tangy, spicy, and savory.

Can you suggest a Mediterranean salad that pairs well with chicken shawarma?

A classic Greek salad is a great match for chicken shawarma. It has fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.

Where can I find the best Chicken Shawarma Salad near me?

You can find the best Chicken Shawarma Salad near you. Many Middle Eastern or Mediterranean restaurants offer this salad. To find the best one, look up local spots with high ratings and great customer reviews.

What side dishes complement Chicken Shawarma perfectly?

Perfect partners to Chicken Shawarma include sides of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, or even some warm pita bread for dipping and scooping.

Each side offers a unique taste and texture that complements the spiced chicken and crisp salad.

Easy Chicken Shawarma Salad Recipe

Recipe by Cynthia RobertsCourse: Main

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground paprika

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• For the Salad

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)

• For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken
• In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
• Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
• Cook the Chicken
• Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
• Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
• Prepare the Dressing
• In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Assemble the Salad
• In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, radishes, parsley, and mint.
• Top with the sliced chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
• Serve
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
• Toss gently to combine.