Description
This Chipotle Chicken Salad is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender, smoky chicken with crisp vegetables and a creamy, zesty dressing. This salad is packed with protein and vibrant flavors and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The dish’s star is the chipotle seasoning, which adds a smoky heat balanced by the avocado’s coolness and the tang of lime. Whether served as a main course or a side, this salad will impress with its satisfying texture and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chipotle Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or roasted)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chipotle Chicken:
- Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chipotle chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, corn, and cilantro.
- Top with sliced chipotle chicken.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
- Serve:
- Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients, or serve as a composed salad with the chicken arranged on top.
Notes
- Variations: Add black beans, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips for extra texture.
- Make it Spicier: Increase the chipotle chili powder in both the chicken rub and dressing.
- Meal Prep: Store the salad, dressing, and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keywords: Chipotle Chicken Salad, Smoky Chicken Salad, High-Protein Salad, Mexican-Inspired Salad, Easy Lunch Recipe, Meal Prep Salad, Gluten-Free Salad