Name: Chicken Shawarma Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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; 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)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a meal bursting with bold flavors and fresh textures, you absolutely must try this Chicken Shawarma Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe. This dish perfectly marries the aromatic spices of Middle Eastern chicken shawarma with crisp, vibrant vegetables and a creamy, nutty tahini dressing that ties it all together beautifully. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch that feels special. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that leave you feeling nourished and happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a large green lettuce head on the right, with dark green leafy leaves and white stems. Next to it are two small bright green cucumbers. A whole yellow lemon is placed centrally, surrounded by three small red tomatoes on the left side. Whole garlic cloves rest in a small clear glass bowl just below the lemon. Above the lemon is a clear bowl filled with raw light pink chicken pieces. To the upper left, a small white bowl holds a mix of colorful spices including red, white, brown, and orange powders. A small glass bowl of a creamy beige liquid is located in the bottom left corner, and beside it is another small glass bowl containing pale green sliced pickles. A whole purple-red onion is seen in the top left corner. All ingredients are spread out with enough space, making each item clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a salad that’s nothing short of spectacular. Each component not only builds on the vibrant flavor but also adds texture, color, or brightness that makes this dish a true standout.

Chicken thighs (1 pound, boneless and skinless): These tender pieces soak up the marinade and remain juicy during cooking.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps to tenderize the chicken and brings richness to the marinade.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a zesty brightness that balances the spices.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the chicken with a pungent, savory depth.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the salad.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky warmth to the dish.
Cardamom (½ teaspoon): Adds an exotic, aromatic note.
Cumin (½ teaspoon): Gives earthiness that’s signature to shawarma.
Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness to the spice mix.
Crushed red pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Provides just a hint of heat without overpowering.
Romaine lettuce (1 head, chopped): Creates a crisp, refreshing base for the salad.
Roma tomatoes (3, chopped): Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.
Persian cucumbers (2, chopped): Crisp and cooling contrast to the warm spices.
Red onion (½, sliced): Offers a sharp, crunchy bite.
Pickled banana peppers (2 ounces, sliced): Bring tangy brightness and a slight kick.
Tahini sauce (½ cup): Creamy and nutty dressing that ties every flavor together.
Chopped parsley: Fresh herbaceous finish adding a pop of green color.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, paprika, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is where all the magic begins — each spice layer brings authenticity and complexity to the chicken. Don’t skip this step as it really makes the difference!

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Add your thinly sliced chicken thighs into the marinade, stirring well to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge to marinate for at least an hour — but if you can wait up to 24 hours, your chicken will soak up even more of those glorious flavors. Patience pays off!

Step 3: Cook the chicken shawarma

Heat a heavy-bottom skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and slightly caramelized on the edges. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a beautifully spiced crust that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the salad

Divide the chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, sliced red onions, and pickled banana peppers evenly between four bowls. Top each salad with a generous portion of the cooked chicken shawarma. Finally, drizzle with creamy tahini sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with cooked thin strips of golden-brown chicken evenly spread across the surface. The chicken pieces are slightly curled and have a lightly browned texture with a slight glossy finish from cooking oils. Some small bits and specks are scattered around the chicken pieces on the dark pan surface. The pan sits on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds on top to add a delightful crunch. A wedge of lemon on the side is perfect for those who love an extra citrus zing to brighten every bite. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also complement the parsley for a herbaceous twist.

Side Dishes

This salad shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with fluffy pita bread or warm flatbread you can use to scoop up bites. If you want something heartier, a side of spiced rice or roasted vegetables echoes the Middle Eastern vibe and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party option, serve the chicken shawarma salad as a customizable platter — offer the spiced chicken, veggies, and tahini sauce separately, and let guests build their own bowls or wraps. Alternatively, layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a grab-and-go lunch that’s both visually appealing and practical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the tahini dressing apart prevents the greens from wilting and keeps everything tasting fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken shawarma in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the salad ingredients or tahini dressing, as they won’t maintain their fresh texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warm, or zap it in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook, so it stays tender. Once warmed, add it back to fresh salad greens for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs tend to stay juicier and absorb marinade beautifully, chicken breasts can work. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they dry out faster.

Is tahini dressing difficult to make at home?

Not at all! Tahini dressing usually just involves tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and some water or olive oil to thin it out. It’s quick to whisk up and adds so much flavor without fuss.

How spicy is this Chicken Shawarma Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe?

The crushed red pepper adds a gentle heat, but you can easily adjust it up or down according to your spice tolerance. The pickled banana peppers also offer a tangy kick rather than overwhelming spiciness.

Can I prepare the salad components in advance?

Yes! Chop your veggies and make the tahini dressing ahead to save time. Just keep everything chilled separately and assemble right before serving to keep textures crisp and vibrant.

What other proteins work well in this salad?

If chicken isn’t your preference, lamb or beef shawarma spiced similarly would be delicious, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian spin. The tahini dressing complements all of these wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Chicken Shawarma Salad with Tahini Dressing Recipe a try — it’s one of those dishes that make your taste buds dance with every forkful. The combination of warm spices, fresh crunchy veggies, and silky tahini is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s quick enough for busy days but impressive enough to share. Enjoy crafting and savoring this vibrant salad that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!