Description
This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, packed with bold flavors and healthy ingredients. Juicy, grilled chicken marinated in a zesty chili-lime sauce is paired with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a homemade fajita dressing. It’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner that’s light yet satisfying!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chili Lime Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, or spinach)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Fajita Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Grill the chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Prepare the fajita dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, bell peppers, red onion, avocado, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the fajita dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve:
- Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add some crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese on top.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- This salad is also great as a wrap! You can serve it with a soft flour or corn tortilla for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Salad, Healthy Meal
- Method: Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, American
Keywords: chili lime chicken, fajita salad, grilled chicken, healthy salad, Mexican salad, low-carb dinner, fresh ingredients