Get ready to delight your taste buds with this Zesty Lime Chicken Salad! It's a refreshing, citrus-infused dish that combines perfectly grilled chicken with crisp, colorful veggies. Ideal for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad is a burst of flavor in every bite.
Chicken breast is the main protein, offering a lean and tender option that absorbs the marinade beautifully. The lime juice is the star of the marinade, providing a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the chicken. Olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist while grilling. Garlic adds a hint of pungency, while salt and black pepper bring basic seasoning. The cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and depth, giving the dish a slight smoky edge. For the salad, mixed greens serve as the fresh base, with cherry tomatoes adding sweetness. Red onion provides a sharp bite, while cucumber adds a cool crunch. The cilantro introduces a fresh, herbal note, and avocado offers creamy richness to round it all off.
This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover lime dressing. You can also serve it alongside a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a heartier meal, consider adding a scoop of quinoa or brown rice.
First, let's whip up the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. You want this to be well combined, so give it a good whisk until everything is mixed. Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they're all nicely coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes — this step is crucial for infusing all those flavors.
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it's hot and ready, grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You're looking for a nice sear with those beautiful grill marks and, most importantly, make sure it's cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting time helps keep the juices in.
Now, for the salad part. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro. Toss them gently to mix. Add the grilled chicken slices to the bowl and give everything another gentle toss. Finally, garnish with the avocado slices just before serving for that creamy finish.
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