This Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad brings together tender, flavorful chicken with crisp vegetables and quinoa, creating the perfect combination of fresh and savory. The creamy tahini sauce ties it all together, giving the dish a smooth, rich finish.
Perfect for meal prepping or a quick dinner, this salad is loaded with healthy ingredients that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. The mix of herbs and spices adds a Middle Eastern flair, making it a delightful, flavorful experience. Serve it up in a bowl or plate it beautifully for a vibrant, tasty meal that works for lunch or dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken breasts and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the chicken is roasting, cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini sauce, lemon juice, and water until smooth.
- Toss the salad with the tahini dressing, then top with sliced chicken.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad is not just a delicious dish, but also a perfect example of how to make healthy eating easy and flavorful. This Middle Eastern-inspired salad offers a well-balanced combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a nourishing meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy week of meal prep, or simply want a quick, wholesome meal for lunch or dinner, this recipe has it all.
The Story Behind Shawarma
Shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that has gained worldwide popularity due to its irresistible flavor and tender meat. Traditionally, shawarma is made by cooking seasoned meats, such as lamb, beef, or chicken, on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is thinly sliced and served in pita bread with a variety of toppings and sauces. This dish has evolved into many variations across different countries and cultures, with each adding their own twist on seasonings, fillings, and sauces.
The Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad takes the essence of shawarma and transforms it into a healthy, customizable, and easy-to-make salad that brings all the traditional flavors into a lighter, more convenient form. The chicken is marinated in shawarma spices and roasted to perfection, creating a juicy and flavorful protein that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, quinoa, and a creamy tahini dressing.
Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that benefit your overall health. Here’s why this salad is the perfect choice for a balanced meal:
- Protein-Packed Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building, cell repair, and immune system support. This makes chicken shawarma an ideal ingredient for a hearty meal that fuels your body and keeps you feeling satisfied for longer periods.
- Fiber-Rich Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein and an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. It also provides essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc, making it a valuable addition to any meal.
- Fresh Vegetables: Vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and onions are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that contribute to good digestion, healthy skin, and improved immunity. Fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro not only enhance the flavor but also add additional nutrients and antioxidants to the dish.
- Healthy Fats from Tahini: The creamy tahini dressing adds a rich and smooth texture while providing healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health. Tahini, made from sesame seeds, is also a good source of calcium and iron.
- Quick and Easy Meal Prep: One of the biggest benefits of this recipe is its meal prep potential. The salad can be made ahead of time, and the ingredients hold up well in the fridge, making it an ideal option for busy individuals who want a nutritious, easy-to-grab meal throughout the week. By preparing a batch of this salad at the start of the week, you can enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal every day without much effort.
Why This Recipe Is the Best Choice for Meal Prep
- Convenient and Versatile: This Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad is the perfect solution for busy people who need a nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s versatile, so you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or even roasted sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Long Shelf Life: The beauty of this salad is that the chicken and quinoa can be cooked in bulk and stored for several days. As a meal prep dish, it stays fresh and tasty for up to four days when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing can also be stored separately to keep the salad fresh until you’re ready to eat.
- Balanced Macros: This salad strikes the perfect balance between protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates. The chicken provides a substantial amount of protein to support muscle growth, while the quinoa and vegetables ensure you’re getting your daily intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The tahini dressing brings in a healthy fat component that helps keep you full longer and supports healthy brain and skin function.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. Whether you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or following a dairy-free lifestyle, this Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad can easily be incorporated into your meal plan without any worries.
- Affordable and Budget-Friendly: Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad uses affordable ingredients that are accessible at most grocery stores. Quinoa, chicken, and fresh vegetables can be bought in bulk and used for multiple meals throughout the week, making this a cost-effective option for those who want to stick to a budget while eating well.
- Great for Weight Management: With a healthy balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, this salad is a great option for those looking to manage their weight. The high protein content keeps you full and satisfied, while the fiber helps with digestion and helps prevent overeating. Plus, the low calorie count per serving makes it an excellent choice for anyone on a calorie-controlled diet.
How to Make It Your Own
While the Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad is delicious as-is, you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a spicy kick, try adding a bit of harissa or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the tahini sauce.
For a vegan version, you can swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or tofu, both of which will absorb the shawarma spices beautifully. To make the salad even more filling, you can add some roasted or grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing for a busy week ahead, looking for a healthy lunch option, or making a quick dinner after a long day, Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad is a go-to recipe that’s sure to impress. It’s a meal that checks all the boxes—healthy, flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for meal prepping for the week, serving at a family dinner, or taking to a potluck. Plus, with its fresh and vibrant colors, it’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Conclusion
Chicken Shawarma Meal Prep Salad offers the best of both worlds—delicious, savory flavors with a healthy twist. It’s a meal that supports a balanced diet while satisfying your taste buds with the rich spices and creamy tahini dressing. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply craving a tasty, nutritious dish, this recipe is a must-try. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of this salad today!