Heart-Healthy Traditional Shashlik (Russian Grilled Meat Skewers)

Savor the flavors of a lighter twist on a classic with this Heart-Healthy Traditional Shashlik (Russian Grilled Meat Skewers). This recipe swaps rich meats for lean chicken breast, marinated in a zesty blend of low-fat yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin, ensuring bold, authentic flavor without unnecessary fat. Skewered alongside vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes, these skewers are grilled to perfection for a smoky, charred finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or summer cookouts, this quick-to-prepare dish is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with whole-grain bread or a crisp green salad. Whether you’re craving traditional Russian shashlik or looking for heart-healthy grilling recipes, this vibrant, wholesome meal hits all the right notes.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:57 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Chicken breast
• 180 milliliters Low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional or reduced-sodium)
• 1 unit Red onion, large
• 2 units Bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 150 grams Cherry tomatoes
• 6 units Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, approximately 3 cm (1 inch) in size.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt (if using). Whisk until well blended.

Step 3

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

Step 4

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes (if using wooden skewers) to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Step 5

Prepare the vegetables: peel and cut the red onion into wedges, slice the bell peppers into chunks similar in size to the chicken, and wash the cherry tomatoes.

Step 6

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 7

Assemble the skewers by threading the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with onion wedges, bell pepper pieces, and cherry tomatoes. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.

Step 8

Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and char marks. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes.

Step 10

Serve immediately with a side of whole grain bread or a fresh green salad for a complete heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1406.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1194.9

Total Fat 37.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Cholesterol 440.4mg	0%
Sodium 2362.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 61.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.2g	0%
Total Sugars 41.0g
Protein 157.6g	0%

Vitamin D 94.7IU	0%
Calcium 544.7mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 3406.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.6%

Protein: 52.0%

Carbs: 20.4%