Description
A vibrant salad featuring crispy rice, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing, combining classic Middle Eastern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinating)
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (cooled)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ red onion, sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- ¼ cup tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for the dressing)
- Water to thin out the dressing
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with this mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until fully cooked through. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Crisp the Rice: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the cooled rice, spreading it out evenly. Cook until it’s golden and crunchy. Alternatively, you can crisp it in an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken and rice are cooking, dice the cucumber and tomatoes, slice the red onion, and chop the fresh herbs.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, and enough water to achieve a creamy consistency. Chill the dressing for 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Salad: On a platter, layer the crispy rice, top with sliced chicken, add the vegetables, and sprinkle with herbs. Drizzle the creamy dressing over everything for the finishing touch.
Notes
This salad can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg