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Chicken Shawarma Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Chicken Shawarma Salad recipe combines tender, flavorful marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and a creamy tahini sauce, delivering a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, this salad packs bold spices with the freshness of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled banana peppers.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 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
  • ½ cup tahini sauce
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, paprika, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create the marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse, or marinate up to 24 hours for a deeper taste.
  3. 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 through—this should take about 15 minutes. Ensure the chicken pieces are browned and tender.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Distribute the chopped romaine lettuce, roma tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, red onion slices, and pickled banana peppers evenly into four serving bowls.
  5. Serve: Top each bowl with the cooked chicken shawarma. Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor but is not required if short on time.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; chicken breasts can be substituted but may be drier.
  • Tahini sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to control the spice level.
  • Pair this salad with warm pita bread for a complete meal.