Save Discover a fresh and vibrant way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors with these Light Chicken Shawarma Salad Bowls. This dish features perfectly spiced grilled chicken served over a bed of crisp greens and colorful vegetables, finished with a zesty lemon tahini drizzle. It is a lighter, wholesome take on the classic shawarma that is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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The beauty of this recipe lies in the contrast between the warm, aromatic chicken and the cool, crunchy salad base. It provides a balanced meal that doesn't feel heavy, while the tahini dressing adds a rich depth of flavor that ties all the components together beautifully.
Ingredients
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- For the Chicken Shawarma: 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Juice of 1/2 lemon.
- For the Salad Bowls: 120 g (4 cups) mixed salad greens; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 200 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 large carrot, shredded; 1 small red bell pepper, sliced; 60 g (1/4 cup) pitted Kalamata olives, halved; 1 avocado, sliced.
- For the Lemon Tahini Drizzle: 60 g (1/4 cup) tahini; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp water (plus more as needed); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional).
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add chicken slices and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- 2. Cook the chicken
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice if needed.
- 3. Prepare the tahini sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, cumin, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Adjust water to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
- 4. Assemble the salad bases
- Divide salad greens among four bowls. Arrange cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, carrot, bell pepper, olives, and avocado on top.
- 5. Combine and serve
- Top each bowl with warm chicken shawarma slices. Drizzle generously with lemon tahini sauce. Serve immediately, with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the most tender chicken, ensure you allow it to rest for the full 5 minutes after cooking before slicing. If you are meal prepping, store the tahini sauce and salad ingredients separately from the chicken to keep everything crisp.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. For a vegan version, simply substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or seasoned chickpeas. If you need a more filling meal, consider adding a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice to each bowl.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bowls while the chicken is still warm for a wonderful temperature contrast. They pair excellently with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon. Don't forget the extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra zing.
Save Enjoy this delicious, restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home. It’s a perfect way to nourish your body while indulging in the rich, traditional spices of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- → How is the lemon tahini drizzle prepared?
The drizzle combines tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, whisked with water to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, you can replace the grilled chicken with tofu or chickpeas to create a plant-based version while keeping the vibrant flavors.
- → What vegetables are included in the salad bowls?
The bowls feature mixed greens, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrot, sliced red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and sliced avocado.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten- and dairy-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with these dietary needs.
