If you want a quick, easy, high-protein meal that actually tastes amazing, this Grilled Chicken Tikka Salad is exactly what you need. It comes together in under 30 minutes, uses air-fried chicken tikka straight from frozen, and is packed with lean protein, colourful veg, and big flavour — perfect for busy days when you want something filling but still fresh and light.
There’s no complicated prep here. You make a simple, bold sauce in one pan, quickly fry some vegetables in butter, and cook the chicken tikka in the air fryer for just a few minutes. Add some fresh lettuce and tomatoes, mix everything together, and you’ve got a healthy chicken tikka salad that works for lunch, dinner, or easy meal prep.
With juicy chicken tikka, warm buttery veg, crisp salad, and a punchy peri peri dressing, this is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tikka Salad
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High in protein and filling
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Ready in about 30 minutes
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Made with air fryer chicken tikka
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Full of colour and flavour
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Perfect for healthy lunches or light dinners
Ingredients
For the chicken:
For the sauce:
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Butter
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Peri peri sauce
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Cranberry sauce
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Hosseini sauce
For the warm veg:
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Carrot, sliced
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Green beans
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Red bell pepper, sliced
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Brussels sprouts, sliced
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Butter (for frying)
For the salad base:
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Lettuce, sliced
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Tomato, chopped
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Sesame seeds
How to Make Grilled Chicken Tikka Salad
1. Make the Sauce
Add a little butter to a pan and let it melt over low heat.
Stir in the peri peri sauce, cranberry sauce, and Hosseini sauce. Mix well and let it warm through gently until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
This sauce gives you the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and rich, and it pairs beautifully with chicken tikka.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In another pan, add a little butter and heat over medium heat.
Add the carrot, green beans, red bell pepper, and Brussels sprouts.
Fry for a few minutes until the veg are tender and soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Air Fry the Chicken Tikka
Take the Zulekha Chicken Tikka straight from the freezer and place a few pieces into the air fryer.
Cook for about 5 minutes, until hot, slightly crispy on the outside, and juicy inside. Slice into bite-sized pieces if needed.
4. Prepare the Fresh Salad
Slice the lettuce and chop the tomato. Add them to a large bowl to form the fresh salad base.
5. Assemble the Salad
Add the warm vegetables and air-fried chicken tikka to the bowl.
Drizzle over the peri peri, cranberry, and Hosseini sauce and gently mix everything together.
Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture and flavour.
Serving Ideas
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Great for meal prep and packed lunches
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Add avocado or cucumber for extra freshness
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Serve warm or cold — both work well
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Perfect after the gym or for a light dinner
Final Thoughts
This Easy High-Protein Grilled Chicken Tikka Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, simple, filling, and full of flavour, with juicy air-fried chicken tikka, warm buttery vegetables, and fresh salad all tied together with a bold dressing.
If you’re looking for a healthy chicken tikka recipe, a quick high-protein lunch, or an easy air fryer meal, this salad ticks every box.
