Chicken Shawarma and Turmeric Couscous Salad

Layered with incredible Middle Eastern flavors, this satisfying chicken and turmeric couscous salad can be served as a main course for dinner. Plate with halloumi cheese, fresh vegetables and hummus all drizzled in a tahini sauce.

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Serves
6
Total Time
50
Prep Time
20
Cook Time
30

Ingredients

  • null 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • null 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
  • null 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • null 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • null 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • null 1 tsp ground cumin
  • null 1 tsp za’atar seasoning
  • null ½ tsp ground coriander
  • null ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • null ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • null ½ tsp salt
  • null ½ tsp pepper
  • null ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • null 1 ½ cups RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous with Turmeric
  • null ¼ cup olive oil
  • null ¼ cup lemon juice, divided
  • null 1 clove garlic, minced
  • null ¾ tsp salt, divided
  • null ¾ tsp pepper, divided
  • null ¼ cup tahini paste
  • null 2 Tbsp water
  • null 8 oz halloumi, cut lengthwise into ½-inch slices
  • null 2 Tbsp canola oil
  • null 1 ½ cups cucumber, diced
  • null 1 ½ cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • null ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • null ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • null ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • null ½ cup hummus

Instructions

  1. Chicken Shawarma: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss together chicken, red onion, oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, za’atar seasoning, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and cinnamon; let stand for 10 minutes. Arrange on parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown all over and internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Let stand for 5 minutes; slice thinly.
  2. Salad: Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, garlic, 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper; set aside. Whisk together tahini paste, 2 tbsp water, remaining lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper until smooth; set aside.
  4. Pat halloumi slices dry with paper towel. Brush with canola oil and season with remaining salt and pepper. Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; cook halloumi for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  5. Toss together couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, mint, parsley and lemon vinaigrette. Top with sliced chicken and halloumi slices. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve with hummus.