Fresh and Flavorful Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Twist
There’s something special about a dish that perfectly balances smoky grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a burst of fresh citrus-herb flavor. This grilled chicken salad with cilantro lime dressing is exactly that — a refreshing, wholesome meal you’ll want to enjoy all summer long. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Plus, the dressing doubles as a marinade, locking in flavor from the start.
Why This Salad Works
This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients with bold seasoning to create a salad that’s hearty yet refreshing. The grilled chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables add crunch and color. The cilantro lime dressing brings it all together with a tangy, herbal punch.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something healthy and satisfying, this salad fits the bill. It’s also customizable — you can swap in seasonal vegetables or adjust the spice level to your taste. For more creative kitchen ideas, check out the recipe collection on URFREE.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken: boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
For the salad: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and corn.
For the dressing: fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
How to Make It
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavor.
2. Prepare the Dressing
Combine cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Reserve some for serving and use the rest to baste the chicken during grilling.
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Assemble the Salad
Arrange mixed greens on a large platter or individual plates. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and corn. Layer sliced grilled chicken on top and drizzle with the reserved cilantro lime dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a chilled glass of lemonade. You can also make it a grain bowl by adding quinoa or brown rice for extra heartiness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken separately from the greens to keep the salad fresh. The dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Shake well before using again.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to get creative with the toppings — roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or black beans can add even more flavor and texture. You can also spice up the dressing with jalapeño or swap the cilantro for parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
Final Thoughts
This grilled chicken salad with cilantro lime dressing is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a standout dish. It’s vibrant, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your warm-weather meal rotation. For more wholesome recipe inspiration, browse the cooking guides on URFREE.