Why Make This Recipe
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a delicious and healthy meal. It combines seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. This salad is also great for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
How to Make Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thigh fillets, skin removed
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 5 cups Romaine lettuce or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 pinch cilantro, extra to garnish
- 1 pinch sour cream
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 100 ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, red chili flakes, cumin, and salt. This will be your marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Preheat your grill over medium heat.
- Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- While the chicken is grilling, sauté the bell peppers and onion in a pan over medium heat until soft.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the Romaine or cos lettuce, grilled chicken, sautéed peppers, and onion.
- Top with avocado slices, extra cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
How to Serve Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad
Serve this salad warm or at room temperature. You can also add tortilla chips for extra crunch. It pairs well with lime wedges on the side for those who like a little extra zing.
How to Store Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 2 days to keep the vegetables fresh. If possible, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Tips to Make Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad
- For more flavor, use a grill pan if you cannot access an outdoor grill.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling for juicier meat.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables like corn, black beans, or cherry tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.