Spiced Grilled Chicken Salad (Printable)

Spiced grilled chicken with crisp vegetables and tangy yogurt dressing, inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
04 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Salad

12 - 1 large cucumber, diced
13 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 3.5 ounces mixed salad greens
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Yogurt Dressing

17 - 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
19 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
20 - 1 garlic clove, minced
21 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
22 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How-to Steps:

01 - In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
02 - Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through with slight char. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, salad greens, and chopped parsley.
05 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
06 - Divide the salad mixture among serving plates, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle generously with yogurt dressing.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The spice blend creates layers of flavor that make plain chicken taste like something from a street market.
  • Everything comes together in under an hour, and most of that time is just waiting for the chicken to marinate.
  • The cool, tangy dressing balances the warm spices so perfectly that you will want to eat it with a spoon.
  • It feels indulgent and light at the same time, which is rare for a meal this satisfying.
02 -
  • Do not skip resting the chicken after cooking, the juices redistribute and keep every slice moist instead of dry.
  • If your chicken sticks to the pan, it is not ready to flip yet, wait until it releases easily with a gentle nudge.
  • Fresh lemon juice tastes completely different from bottled, and it makes the dressing come alive in a way that the bottled kind never will.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the spices stick instead of sliding off.
  • If you do not have a grill pan, a regular skillet works fine, just do not crowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of sear.
  • Make extra dressing and keep it in the fridge, it is incredible on roasted vegetables or as a dip for raw carrots.
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