spiced chopped chicken salad with pita crisps and tahini vinaigrette

Name: spiced chopped chicken salad with pita crisps and tahini vinaigrette
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated; 2 teaspoons smoked or sweet paprika; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Fine pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons tahini; 2 teaspoons raw honey; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or grated; Fine pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper; 6 cups shredded romaine lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped; ½ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley; ½ cup roughly chopped fresh dill; 1 large avocado, sliced; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 1½ cups pita chips; Quick-Pickled Red Onions (this page) or store-bought pickled onions, for serving

4 steps

Prep:30minCook:15min

shawarma is one of the most popular Middle Eastern foods. Traditionally, it is made with spiced, marinated meat that is roasted on a vertical spit before being sliced into super thin pieces. It’s usually served inside a pita or on a plate with hummus, but I was inspired to use the flavors from this favorite street food in a giant chopped salad, complete with all the usual shawarma toppings and go-withs. Pan-seared spiced chicken tossed together with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and the most addicting creamy, lemony tahini vinaigrette. It’s all the things. Yes, this recipe has many ingredients, and you can subtract as you like, but they all add layers of flavor and texture. It comes together relatively quickly and nothing is the least bit difficult. This is one you will be truly excited to eat—it’s my dream salad

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:36:46 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Great

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

Low

Nutrition per serving

Calories659.4 kcal (33%)

Total Fat49.7 g (71%)

Carbs22.6 g (9%)

Sugars6.2 g (7%)

Protein33.4 g (67%)

Sodium564.8 mg (28%)

Fiber5.9 g (21%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

Instructions

Step 1

1. MAKE THE CHICKEN. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and a large pinch each of salt and black pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2

2. MEANWHILE, MAKE THE VINAIGRETTE. In a glass jar or measuring cup, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, tahini, honey, garlic, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until mixed well and smooth. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3

3. In a small skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. When it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring once or twice, until the chicken is opaque and cooked through, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4

4. MAKE THE SALAD. Put the romaine in a large serving bowl. Top with the tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, dill, avocado, and feta. Add the chicken, pita chips, and pickled red onion. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and serve immediately.