| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 589 | 41g | 10g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 8g | 41g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Israeli Chicken Shawarma Salad with Hummus
As a fan of fusion, I discovered a passion for Israeli cuisine in particular, a dish that I keep coming back to being the Chicken Shawarma Salad with Hummus. It sparks a sense of adventure in the palate – a tasteful whirlwind of Middle Eastern spices infused with tender marinated chicken and a fresh blend of crisp veggies.
It’s a Feast of Flavours and Textures
Echoing my roots in the Nebraska heartland, the fusion of textures present in this dish is reminiscent of the diverse overlapping fields of corn and wheat waving in the Midwestern breeze. The soft, succulent chicken meets the crunch of fresh cucumbers and salad greens, offering your palate an experience akin to a gastronomic landscape.
The variety of spices, from cumin to coriander, turmeric to paprika, compile a symphony of flavours that suddenly makes global cuisine feel comfortably local. The inspiration for this dish is largely drawn from the renowned Israeli chef, Yotam Ottolenghi, whose love for complex flavours and simple techniques is something I deeply admire.
A Dish that Stands Proudly on its Own and Sides Perfectly
The Chicken Shawarma Salad with Hummus can be a meal on its own, or complement a spread of other dishes such as falafel or a traditional Israeli sabich sandwich – the possibilities are exciting and endless. It’s a versatile dish which can transport you to other kitchen cultures and leave you wanting to explore more.
For those who might be dubious, remember, it’s not always about sticking to what we’re comfortable with. As I’ve learned from both my kitchen and my church community, it’s about sharing the love we pour into our cooking and embracing diversity at the same time. If you ask me, every spoonful of this Middle Eastern creation is nothing short of a blessing. It’s a recipe that I not only enjoy creating but sharing with loved ones – from my close-knit Midwestern community to the extended family I’ve discovered across the culinary world.
Chicken Shawarma Salad with Hummus, my dear friends, is a dish that brings people together. It’s not just a dish, it’s an experience. An adventure. And I absolutely love it for that.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups of mixed salad greens
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta
- 1 cup of hummus
- For Shawarma Dressing:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of tahini
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Method
Step One
Combine the chicken thighs in a large bowl with the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the spices. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight.
Step Two
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare your salad. In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives and crumbled feta. Set aside for later.
Step Three
Next, it’s time to make the Shawarma dressing. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of olive oil, tahini, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and minced garlic. Whisk together until well combined, then set aside.
Step Four
After the chicken has marinated, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step Five
Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips. Add the sliced chicken to the large salad bowl, along with the hummus. Drizzle over the shawarma dressing and toss everything together until well combined.
Step Six
And that’s it! Your Chicken Shawarma Salad with Hummus is ready to serve. Enjoy as a refreshing and hearty meal full of wonderful Middle Eastern flavors!
