Okay, this might be one of my favorite easy summer dinners I’ve made in a while. It’s fresh, colorful, takes minimal effort, and somehow tastes fancy even though it took like 20 minutes total. These grilled chicken skewers over boxed tabbouleh with a quick watermelon salsa and a dollop of farmer’s cheese are chef’s kiss—especially on a warm night when you want something light but still satisfying.
🛒 What You’ll Need
For the Skewers:
- 1–1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper (or any go-to seasoning blend)
- Skewers
- Grill or grill pan
For the Tabbouleh:
- 1 box Near East Tabbouleh (I used the original)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- Optional: squeeze of lemon or drizzle of olive oil if you want to zhuzh it up
For the Watermelon Salsa:
- 2 cups watermelon, finely diced
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- A few mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chili flakes for heat
To Serve:
- Arugula (or any greens)
- Dollop of Lifeway Farmer’s Cheese (or Greek yogurt or whipped feta)
👩🍳 How I Made It (Fast Version)
- Start the Tabbouleh:
I just followed the box directions—add boiling water, cover, and pop it in the fridge while everything else comes together. Easiest base ever. - Toss & Grill the Chicken:
No marinating here. I just tossed the chicken with olive oil and a few pantry spices (garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper), skewered it, and grilled it on a grill pan until golden and cooked through. - Make the Watermelon Salsa:
Mix diced watermelon, red onion, mint, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. So easy but makes the whole thing feel fresh and summery. - Build Your Bowl:
Stir tomato and cucumber into the chilled tabbouleh. Then layer tabbouleh + arugula in a bowl, top with your chicken skewers, a big spoonful of watermelon salsa, and a dollop of Lifeway Farmer’s Cheese for that high-protein creamy moment.
💡 Why I Love This:
- The Near East tabbouleh saves time but still feels homemade once you add fresh veggies.
- The watermelon salsa is honestly the star—it’s sweet, tangy, and balances everything.
- That farmer’s cheese is like whipped feta’s easier, higher-protein cousin.
- It looks beautiful on a plate but takes almost no brainpower.
✨ Swaps & Tips:
- Don’t have watermelon? Try mango or strawberries.
- Use store-bought tzatziki or hummus instead of farmer’s cheese if that’s what you have.
- Leftover chicken and tabbouleh make an amazing wrap the next day.
📌 Save This One!
If you try it, tag me @kee_to_wellness! I love seeing your bowls—and honestly might turn this into a regular weeknight staple.
