Zesty Lime Chicken Taco Salad

Name: Zesty Lime Chicken Taco Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 44 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 1/4 cup lime juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 8 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup corn kernels, cooked; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup tortilla strips; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 24 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and a little bit zesty, this Lime Chicken Taco Salad is calling your name. Packed with colorful veggies, juicy grilled chicken, and a hint of lime tang, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let's dive in and make your taste buds dance!

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Ingredients for Zesty Lime Chicken Taco Salad

The star here is the chicken breast, marinated in lime juice and olive oil to tenderize and infuse with citrusy goodness. Garlic adds depth, while chili powder and ground cumin bring a warm, smoky edge. The mixed salad greens are your crunchy base, with cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop of color. Black beans and corn kernels contribute to the heartiness and texture. Avocado gives a creamy richness, balanced by the sharpness of red onion. The cilantro leaves add a fresh herbal note, while Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly into the mix. Don't forget the tortilla strips for that satisfying crunch!

Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor infusion.
If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and just marinate it briefly before grilling.
For perfect grill marks, resist the urge to move the chicken around too much on the grill.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a standalone meal, but if you're looking to round it out, consider serving it with a side of warm, crusty bread. A light, citrusy vinaigrette can also complement the flavors nicely if you prefer a bit more dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?: Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp or tofu as well.
What if I don’t have a grill?: No worries, you can use a grill pan or even bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (about 200°C) until done.
How long does this salad keep?: It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the tortilla strips separate to maintain their crunch.

Zesty Lime Chicken Taco Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together your marinade: lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, with a pinch of salt and pepper. This concoction is your ticket to flavor town, so make sure it’s well mixed.

Submerge your chicken breasts in this zesty bath and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting period is crucial for the marinade to work its magic.

When ready, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Grill each side of the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through with a lovely charred finish. Rest your chicken for 5 minutes post-grilling to lock in the juices before slicing it thinly.

In your largest salad bowl, toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, sliced avocado, red onion, and cilantro leaves. Lay the sliced chicken on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese and those irresistible tortilla strips.

Give everything a gentle toss to mix and serve it up immediately for a crisp, fresh experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Bold, refreshing flavors that awaken your palate.
Perfect for a satisfying, yet healthy meal option.
Customizable to fit different dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

8 cups mixed salad greens

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup corn kernels, cooked

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cilantro leaves

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup tortilla strips

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.

4. Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.

5. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, and cilantro leaves.