Are you tired of the same old boring salads? It’s time to shake things up with a vibrant and satisfying Chicken Tzatziki Salad that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Packed with protein, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty tahini dressing, this salad is anything but ordinary. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Chili flakes, salt, and black pepper
- 4-5 cups shredded kale and/or romaine mixed
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 avocado diced/sliced
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup mixed herbs: basil, dill, parsley
- 1-2 cups Tzatziki sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
TAHINI DRESSING
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season and Roast: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, and season to taste with chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Spread the seasoned chicken evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Compose the Salad: While the chicken roasts, assemble the base of your salad in a large bowl. Combine the shredded kale/romaine, chopped cucumbers, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes to create a colorful and nutritious foundation.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a blender or glass jar, combine all the ingredients for the tahini dressing. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water as needed. Season with chili flakes and additional salt if desired.
- Bring it All Together: Drizzle a generous amount of the tahini dressing over the salad greens and massage it into the kale for optimal flavor absorption. Once the chicken is done roasting, add it to the salad along with the diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, mixed herbs, and sesame seeds.
- Serve and Enjoy: Finish off your masterpiece by topping the salad with dollops of creamy Tzatziki sauce and extra tahini dressing. Gently toss everything together to ensure each bite is bursting with flavor. Serve immediately and revel in the deliciousness!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories Per Serving: 692 kcal
Prepare to be amazed by the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite of this Chicken Tzatziki Salad. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your salad game with this extraordinary dish? Get ready to impress your taste buds and nourish your body with this fresh and flavorful creation. Bon appétit!
