Banza Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce and Cucumber Salad
A vibrant, modern grain bowl built on chickpea pasta with crispy air-fryer chicken, bright tomato-cucumber salad, and a creamy Calabrian chili sauce that delivers smoky heat and richness. The dish combines Mediterranean freshness with Italian chile complexity, balancing cool vegetables against warm protein and tangy yogurt-mayo sauce. Key textures range from tender pasta to crunchy raw vegetables and juicy tomatoes, while flavors span bright vinegar and herbs to garlicky, spicy depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this bowl works equally well as a light lunch or substantial dinner. What sets this version apart is the use of Banza's chickpea-based pasta for added protein and the jarred Calabrian chiles, which bring authentic Southern Italian flavor without intensive cooking. The modular assembly means components can be prepped separately, making it ideal for batch cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, cut into chunks null
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- red onion, small chunk, thinly sliced
- parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
- black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 individual Calabrian chiles, jarred, stems discarded, mincedred pepper flakes1/2 teaspoon per 2-3 chilespantry
loses authentic smoky depth and texture
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- castelvetrano olive brine(optional)
- salt
- air-fryer chickenair-fryer tofuequal weightveganvegetarian
firm texture and neutral base for sauce
- Banza rice mix or carb of choiceregular rice or quinoa1:1gluten-free options vary
reduces protein content slightly
Instructions
- 1
Combine cucumber chunks, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley in a bowl.
- 2
Add white vinegar and olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo and Greek yogurt.
- 4
Add minced or smashed Calabrian chiles and grated garlic, stirring to combine.
- 5
Add olive brine if using, season with salt, and taste to adjust.
- 6
Prepare air-fryer chicken according to package instructions.
- 7
Cook Banza rice mix or chosen carb according to package directions.
- 8
Assemble bowls by layering cooked grain, chicken, and tomato-cucumber salad.
- 9
Top with Calabrian chili sauce and serve immediately.
Tips
Prep vegetables separately without dressing up to 1 day ahead: store chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion in individual containers. Combine with vinegar and oil only before serving to prevent sogginess and preserve crunch.
The Calabrian chili sauce refrigerates beautifully for 3-4 days, intensifying in flavor. Make it ahead for busy weeknights, allowing garlic and chile notes to deepen and meld.
Taste and adjust each component individually before assembly. The sauce's heat varies by chile jarred variety and amount used, so personalize spice level to preference.
Good to Know
Calabrian chili sauce keeps refrigerated 3-4 days. Assembled bowls best served immediately; salad components without dressing store separately up to 1 day.
Prepare tomato-cucumber salad vegetables in separate containers without liquid up to 1 day ahead. Make Calabrian chili sauce up to 3-4 days in advance. Cook chicken and grain ahead and reheat or serve cold.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, with all components assembled just before eating to preserve vegetable texture.
Common Mistakes
Dress the salad too far in advance to avoid soggy cucumbers and tomatoes from liquid breakdown.
Oversalt the sauce components individually to avoid an overly salty final dish when assembled together.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
firm texture and neutral base for sauce
Gluten-Free Swaps
reduces protein content slightly
General Alternatives
loses authentic smoky depth and texture
Full guide →FAQ
Can I make this bowl vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. Replace air-fryer chicken with air-fryer tofu or cooked chickpeas for plant-based protein. For the sauce, swap mayo for mashed avocado or vegan mayo, and use dairy-free yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. The pasta itself is protein-rich.
What if I don't have Calabrian chiles?
Substitute 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes per 2-3 chiles, though you'll lose the authentic smoky, fruity depth. Alternatively, use jarred roasted red peppers mixed with hot sauce, or fresh red chiles minced and blended into the sauce base.
Can I freeze this bowl or components?
Freeze cooked chicken and grain separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. The fresh salad and sauce don't freeze well; assemble these fresh. Thaw chicken and grain in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.