Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1–2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables and Salad
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling and dressing)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Chopped jalapeños or pinch of cayenne (for extra heat)
- Grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms (to replace chicken for vegetarian/vegan version)
- Quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice (to serve as a grain bowl)
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a tangy, spicy marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let the chicken soak for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Grill the Chicken and Vegetables: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and juicy. Meanwhile, toss sliced bell peppers and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the vegetables until tender with slight char marks, taking care not to overcook to retain some crunch.
- Assemble the Salad: Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over a bed of romaine lettuce or mixed greens. Scatter grilled peppers, onions, and fresh cherry tomatoes around the salad. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Optionally, drizzle a little more lime juice or olive oil over the salad for extra zest and richness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Toss the salad gently to combine if desired, or serve as-is. Add any optional garnishes such as lime wedges, sour cream, toasted seeds, or sliced avocado to enhance flavor and texture. Enjoy the smoky, fresh, and vibrant flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight in the fridge (up to 24 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best brightness and taste.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
- Ensure the grill is hot to seal in juices and create perfect grill marks.
- Keep grilled vegetables slightly crisp by avoiding overcooking.
- Store grilled chicken and vegetables separately from fresh greens and tomatoes to preserve texture.
- Freeze cooked chicken and grilled veggies for up to 2 months; do not freeze fresh vegetables or lettuce.
- Reheat chicken and veggies gently before tossing with fresh greens for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: grilled chicken salad, chili lime chicken, fajita salad, healthy chicken salad, quick chicken recipe, gluten free salad, Southwest chicken salad