Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chicken Shawarma Salad combining tender marinated chicken thighs with fresh romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and pickled banana peppers, all drizzled with creamy tahini sauce. This easy-to-make salad offers a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 3 roma tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 Persian cucumbers (chopped)
- ½ red onion (sliced)
- 2 ounces pickled sliced banana peppers
To Serve
- ½ cup tahini sauce
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, paprika, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until well blended to form the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken thighs to the marinade bowl and stir with a spoon to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned, about 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Salad: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced red onion, and pickled banana peppers evenly into four bowls.
- Add the Chicken and Serve: Top each salad bowl with the cooked chicken shawarma, drizzle with tahini sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, increase the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, but thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
- Letting the chicken marinate overnight will deepen the flavor.
- Tahini sauce can be store-bought or homemade for a fresher taste.
- Serve with warm pita bread for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
