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Remember that time I tried shawarma from a street vendor in New York? It was an explosion of flavors that I've been trying to recreate ever since. This recipe is my personal take on that memory, combined with my love for colorful, nutritious veggies. Think tender, marinated meat, warm pita bread, and a vibrant array of grilled vegetables—all coming together in one satisfying dish. I was also told, by my doctor, to eat more veggies, so that's another good reason.
Creating this meal is an adventure in itself. From prepping the shawarma marinade to threading the veggie skewers, each step is a chance to get creative and enjoy the process. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices in your marinade or mix up the veggies on your skewers. What does this mean for you? It means endless possibilities and a dish that’s uniquely yours! I always add a touch of smoked paprika, because why not?
The rainbow veggie skewers aren’t just pretty; they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Each color represents a different set of nutrients, making this meal not only delicious but also incredibly good for you. One of my friends even told me that since she started adding more colours to her food, she has not been sick. It's a win-win situation! Plus, grilling the veggies brings out their natural sweetness, making them irresistibly tasty. I find it very exciting and motivating. Is it just me?
Required Equipments
Mixing Bowls
Grill or Grill Pan
Skewers
Knives
Cutting Board
Measuring Spoons
Shawarma with Rainbow Veggie Skewers: Frequently Asked Questions
Shawarma with Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Enjoy homemade shawarma paired with colorful rainbow veggie skewers, a healthy and delicious meal bursting with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a delightful gathering with friends!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Let's start with the shawarma: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the spices; they’re what give shawarma its signature flavor.
Add the thinly sliced chicken or lamb to the marinade. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. I have done this, even for 24 hours.
While the meat is marinating, prepare the rainbow veggie skewers: Wash and chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces. I like to use a mix of red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, orange bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, zucchini, and even some purple eggplant for extra color. Variety is the spice of life, right?
Thread the chopped veggies onto skewers, alternating colors for a vibrant rainbow effect. Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill, a regular pan is okay too.
Grill the veggie skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and slightly charred. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and thread it onto skewers as well. If you're using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Spread the marinated meat on a baking sheet.
Grill the meat skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly browned. If using an oven, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave. You want them to be soft and pliable.
To assemble the shawarma, spread a spoonful of hummus or tahini sauce on each pita bread. Add a generous portion of the grilled shawarma meat, followed by some of the rainbow veggie skewers.
Drizzle with your favorite shawarma sauce (I love a garlic yogurt sauce or a spicy tahini sauce) and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Fold or roll the pita bread to create a shawarma wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy! I like to add a little squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a burst of freshness.
📝 Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with halloumi cheese or firm tofu.
Add a spicy kick with a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes.