Description
This Zesty Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a vibrant and flavorful meal prep option that combines marinated grilled chicken with crispy golden rice and fresh vegetables, all topped with a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for a fresh, satisfying lunch or dinner, this Middle Eastern-inspired salad offers a delicious balance of textures and zesty spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Shawarma
- 1 lb Chicken (thighs or breasts)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Cumin (fresh spices preferred)
- 1 tsp Paprika (smoked preferred)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic)
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Salad Components
- 2 cups Cooked Rice (cooled)
- 1 Cucumber (diced)
- 2 Tomatoes (chopped)
- ½ Red Onion (sliced)
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro, for garnish
Tahini Dressing
- ¼ cup Tahini (or almond butter as nut-free alternative)
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1 clove Minced Garlic
- Olive Oil (included in marinade, add about 1 tbsp if desired for dressing)
- Water, to desired consistency
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Crisp Rice: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the cooled cooked rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, air fry the rice at 400°F for 10 minutes to achieve crispiness.
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, chop the tomatoes, slice the red onion, and finely chop the parsley or cilantro. Set all fresh vegetables aside for assembling.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil (if using additional), and enough water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Chill the dressing for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Salad: Begin with a base of crispy rice on each plate or meal prep container. Layer the sliced chicken over the rice, add diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing and garnish with pickles if desired.
Notes
- For a nut-free dressing, substitute tahini with almond butter.
- Using fresh spices for the marinade enhances the flavor significantly.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking ensures juicy slices.
- The crispy rice can be prepared in advance and reheated via skillet or air fryer.
- Add pickles or a squeeze of extra lemon for added tang and brightness.
