Spiced Chicken Shawarma Salad (Printable)

Aromatic spiced chicken with crisp vegetables and tangy yogurt dressing in a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired salad.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
04 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Salad

12 - 1 large cucumber, diced
13 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 3.5 ounces mixed salad greens
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Yogurt Dressing

17 - 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
19 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
20 - 1 garlic clove, minced
21 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
22 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until spices are fully incorporated.
02 - Add chicken to the spice mixture and toss to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor development.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through with slight charring. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, mixed salad greens, and fresh parsley.
05 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
06 - Divide salad mixture among serving plates, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle generously with yogurt dressing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Gluten-Free: A naturally healthy and light main dish suitable for many dietary needs.
  • Bold Aromas: A homemade spice blend of cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon provides authentic shawarma flavor.
  • High Protein: Tender chicken breast or thighs deliver 38g of protein per serving.
02 -
  • Marinade Time: If you have time, marinating for the full 2 hours makes a significant difference in tenderness.
  • Vegetable Prep: Dice the cucumber and tomatoes into uniform sizes so you get a bit of everything in every forkful.
  • Fresh Herbs: Don't skip the fresh parsley; it provides a necessary aromatic lift to the heavier spices.
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