Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Salad
A vibrant, zesty salad featuring grilled cilantro-lime chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer meals or healthy meal prep.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 medium
- Fresh Cilantro: ½ cup chopped
- Lime Juice: ¼ cup
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Romaine Lettuce: 4 cups chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup halved
- Red Onion: ¼ thinly sliced
- Avocado: 1 sliced
- Corn Kernels: ½ cup grilled or cooked
- Cotija Cheese (optional): ¼ cup crumbled
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high or grill pan on stove.
- Combine Ingredients: Whisk lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken in mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly oil grill or pan to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Dish: Prepare lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and corn. Arrange in a large bowl.
- Cook to Perfection: Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Finishing Touches: Top salad with sliced chicken and cheese. Drizzle with dressing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Toss gently and serve fresh with lime wedges or extra cilantro.
Notes
- Tip: Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Tip: Use salad spinner to keep greens crisp and dry.
- Tip: Double marinade and boil half for extra dressing.
- Tip: Wait to slice avocado until right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cilantro lime, grilled chicken, healthy salad, summer recipe, gluten free