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Chili Lime Chicken Salad

Bright, zesty, and utterly refreshing, this Chili Lime Chicken Salad is your new weeknight MVP. Juicy, marinated chicken meets crisp veggies and creamy avocado—brought together with a citrusy avocado dressing. It's the ultimate blend of tang, spice, and crunch for a light, satisfying meal that tastes like summer in a bowl.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

For the Salad:

  • 5 cups crisp romaine lettuce or mixed greens
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • Optional: sliced red onion cucumber

For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Water to thin as needed

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey, garlic, chili powder, salt, and cilantro. Add chicken slices and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Make the Dressing:

  • In a blender or small food processor, blend avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add a splash of water to thin to your desired consistency.

Assemble the Salad:

  • On a large platter or in individual bowls, layer the lettuce, sliced chicken, tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle generously with the avocado dressing.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and juicy. Leftovers keep well for 2 days.

Notes

  • For smoky depth, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing.
  • Add black beans or grilled corn for a heartier salad.
  • Use pre-washed salad mix to cut down prep time.
  • Make extra dressing—it also works great as a dip!