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Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad

Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad

The Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish combining tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty lime and smoky chili powder with crisp sautéed bell peppers and onions atop a fresh bed of romaine or mixed greens. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this salad offers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors with minimal fuss and maximum nutrition.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Salad Base

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade that will soak deep into the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse perfectly.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred, enhancing that smoky fajita flavor.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: While grilling the chicken, heat a little olive oil in a skillet and sauté the sliced bell peppers and red onions until tender but still crisp, retaining their bright colors and natural sweetness.
  5. Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or individual plates, arrange your base of romaine lettuce or mixed greens. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro.
  6. Dress and Serve: Drizzle with extra lime juice or olive oil if desired, toss lightly, and serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes all the difference for authentic zesty flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the grill to maintain juicy, tender chicken rather than dry.
  • Prep Veggies Ahead: Slice your bell peppers and onions in advance to save time on busy days.
  • Let Chicken Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  • Experiment with Herbs: Add fresh parsley or basil alongside cilantro for a unique herby twist.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, fajita salad, chili lime chicken, healthy salad, Mexican salad, quick dinner, grilled chicken salad