Savor the Spice: How to Create a Chicken Tikka Salad

Transform your traditional chicken tikka into a light, refreshing salad that's perfect for warm days. This vibrant dish combines succulent, spiced chicken pieces with crisp vegetables and a tangy yogurt dressing, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500g chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- Salt to taste
For the Salad
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, wedged
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mint chutney
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
Mix yogurt, tikka masala paste, lemon juice, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
-
Cook the Chicken
Grill the marinated chicken pieces until well cooked and slightly charred. Let it cool and then cut into bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together yogurt, mint chutney, lemon juice, chaat masala, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. Add the grilled chicken pieces.
-
Finish and Serve
Drizzle with the prepared dressing, garnish with mint, coriander leaves, and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor
- Grill the chicken on high heat to get charred edges
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp
- Toast some pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch
- Serve with warm naan bread on the side
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the naan and add more greens
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled paneer
- Extra Crunch: Add bell peppers and radishes
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas or quinoa