Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe

This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a delicious, flavor-packed meal featuring tender chicken marinated in a zesty chili-lime blend, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh vegetables for a salad that’s full of satisfying texture and spice. Combining the flavors of a classic fajita with the freshness of a salad, this recipe is the perfect option for a nutritious, low-carb meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Lime Marinade

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-blended, creating a thick, fragrant marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chili-lime marinade will create a slightly charred, golden-brown crust on the chicken. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Grill the Bell Peppers and Corn: While the chicken is resting, place the bell pepper slices and corn on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the peppers are tender with slight char marks and the corn is lightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and mixed greens. This mixture provides a base with both crisp texture and fresh flavor.
2. Add the Vegetables: Layer the grilled bell peppers, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and grilled corn over the greens. Arrange the sliced avocado on top for a creamy contrast to the crunchy vegetables.
3. Slice the Chicken: Cut the grilled chicken breasts into thin slices, then arrange them over the salad. This will make it easy to get a bit of everything in each bite.

Step 4: Make the Chili Lime Dressing

1. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. For the best presentation, pour some dressing directly on the chicken and some on the vegetables.
3. Garnish with Cilantro: Finish the salad by sprinkling chopped cilantro on top, adding a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs well with the zesty dressing.

Tips for the Best Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well here, but chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture. Adjust grilling time accordingly if using thighs.
2. Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken absorbs. For maximum taste, let the chicken sit in the marinade for 4 hours or even overnight.
3. Grill the Vegetables for Added Smokiness: Grilling the bell peppers, corn, and even the onions (if desired) adds a smoky depth that enhances the fajita-inspired flavors of this dish.
4. Control the Heat Level: For a spicier salad, add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne to the marinade and dressing.
5. Fresh vs. Bottled Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is ideal for the marinade and dressing, as it offers a brighter, more natural flavor than bottled varieties.
6. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing, chilled salad, you can refrigerate the assembled salad for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will also allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with Tortilla Strips: Add some crunch by topping your salad with a few crispy tortilla strips. This will bring in a satisfying texture contrast.
2. Pair with a Side of Rice: For a more filling meal, serve with a side of Mexican or cilantro-lime rice. The rice pairs well with the flavors of the salad, creating a more substantial meal.
3. Add Fresh Jalapeños: Thinly sliced fresh jalapeños add a touch of heat that complements the chili lime flavor profile.
4. Serve with Salsa or Guacamole: For a more traditional fajita feel, offer salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side. These can also be drizzled over the salad as additional toppings.

Nutritional Benefits

1. High Protein: With lean chicken breast as the main protein, this salad provides a high protein content, supporting muscle repair and keeping you full.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: The colorful mix of vegetables, especially bell peppers and tomatoes, is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene.
3. Healthy Fats: The avocado and olive oil provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
4. Fiber-Rich: The mix of greens and vegetables contributes dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels.

Storage and Meal Prep

1. Store Leftovers Separately: If you have leftovers, store the chicken, salad base, and dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting. This salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat the Chicken: For the best texture, reheat the chicken on the stovetop or in the oven rather than in the microwave, which can make it rubbery. Warm it over low heat until just heated through.
3. Pack for Lunch: For a make-ahead lunch, layer the ingredients in a mason jar with dressing on the bottom, followed by chicken, then vegetables, and finally the greens on top. Shake the jar to mix when you’re ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. To keep it that way, skip any optional cheese toppings.

2. How do I make this salad spicier?
For extra heat, add more chili powder to the marinade and dressing or sprinkle sliced jalapeños over the salad.

3. Can I use a different protein?
Certainly! This recipe works well with shrimp, steak, or even grilled tofu as a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

4. Can I prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and refrigerate the salad ingredients up to a day in advance. Store the greens, vegetables, and chicken separately for the best freshness.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, the juices should run clear when pierced.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a fresh and vibrant meal that brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table. With its combination of marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty chili lime dressing, it’s a healthy, nutrient-dense option that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The grilling process brings out the best in each ingredient, enhancing the smoky, slightly charred flavors that make every bite exciting. So, fire up your grill, prepare the marinade, and get ready to enjoy this spicy, tangy, and delicious salad that’s sure to impress!

Yield: 4

Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe

Print

This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a delicious, flavor-packed meal featuring tender chicken marinated in a zesty chili-lime blend, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh vegetables for a salad that’s full of satisfying texture and spice. Combining the flavors of a classic fajita with the freshness of a salad, this recipe is the perfect option for a nutritious, low-carb meal that doesn't sacrifice taste.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinating Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Salad:
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced avocado
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving
• For the Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, coating it well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
   
2. Grill the Chicken:
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
   
3. Sauté the Veggies:
   In a large skillet, add a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the bell peppers and red onion for 4-5 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
4. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
   
5. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large salad bowl, layer the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sautéed peppers and onions, sliced avocado, and grilled chicken.
   
6. Serve:
   Drizzle the salad with the dressing, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.

Notes

• Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade for extra heat.
• Add Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, or black beans for added texture.