Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Salad
A fresh and tasty salad featuring juicy grilled chicken with a zesty lime dressing, perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 piece avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese or cotija cheese (optional) Optional topping
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir well to combine.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Top with the sliced grilled chicken.
Dress & Serve
- Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with feta or cotija cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
This salad is best served fresh! You can dish it out in nice bowls and enjoy it right away. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. You can also add a slice of crusty bread on the side for a heartier meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping dressing separate until ready to eat.