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Salmon Shawarma Salad Recipe: A Delicious Middle Eastern-Inspired Delight


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

The Salmon Shawarma Salad is a fusion dish that draws inspiration from the traditional Middle Eastern shawarma—a dish typically made with spiced meat like lamb, chicken, or beef that is roasted on a vertical spit. However, instead of the usual meats, this version uses salmon fillets, which are seasoned with warm shawarma spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, giving them a rich, aromatic flavor.


Ingredients

For the Shawarma Salmon:

  • 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad Base:

  • 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)

  • 2 cups cucumber (diced)

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)

  • 1 large red onion (thinly sliced)

  • 1 cup red cabbage (shredded)

  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

  • 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped)

  • 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped)

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup chickpeas (cooked, drained, and rinsed)

  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)

  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs (quartered, optional)

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)

  • 1 avocado (sliced)

For the Tahini Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup tahini

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Warm pita bread (cut into triangles)

  • Pickled turnips (optional)

  • Hot sauce or harissa (optional)


Instructions

1. Prepare the Shawarma Salmon:

Start by making the spice blend. In a small bowl, combine cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend will create the signature shawarma flavor for the salmon.

Next, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, and the spice blend in a large bowl. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.

Once marinated, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon cubes for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through but still tender and moist. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon flaky and juicy. Set aside.

2. Make the Tahini Dressing:

To prepare the tahini dressing, whisk tahini in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and warm water until the dressing becomes creamy and pourable.

Season the dressing with minced garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed to reach your desired thickness.

3. Prepare the Salad Components:

Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, and shred the cabbage. Chop the fresh herbs—parsley, mint, and dill—into small pieces. In a dry skillet, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. If using hard-boiled eggs, cook them for 10 minutes, cool, peel, and quarter them.

4. Assemble the Salad:

For individual bowls, divide the mixed greens among serving bowls and top with diced cucumber, tomatoes, sliced onion, shredded cabbage, and the chopped fresh herbs. Arrange the warm shawarma salmon on top, along with chickpeas, olives, feta cheese, eggs, and avocado. Garnish with toasted pine nuts.

If serving family-style, arrange all components on a platter and let everyone assemble their salad with the desired toppings. Drizzle with tahini dressing just before serving.

Notes

This Salmon Shawarma Salad is a vibrant fusion of Middle Eastern spices and fresh greens, delivering bold flavor and satisfying nutrition in every bite. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or a protein-packed dinner. Add a drizzle of tahini or yogurt dressing to take it to the next level!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad / Main Course
  • Method: Roasted
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2.5–3 cups)
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: Moderate

Keywords: Salmon Shawarma Salad Recipe