Description
A vibrant and flavorful Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing that combines smoky grilled chicken, fresh mixed greens, ripe avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a creamy and spicy chipotle mayo sauce. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, providing a balanced meal packed with protein and fresh produce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil, for grilling and drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lime juice, for seasoning
For the Chipotle Mayo Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and lime juice. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Chipotle Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is creamy and spicy. Adjust salt and chipotle quantity to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange mixed greens on a large plate or bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion on top. Place grilled chicken slices over the salad and drizzle generously with the chipotle mayo dressing.
- Final Touch: Toss the salad gently to distribute the dressing and flavors evenly or serve layered as is. Optionally, add freshly ground black pepper or an extra squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Adjust chipotle peppers in the dressing to control the heat level.
- Let grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Use the freshest greens and ripe avocado for optimal taste and texture.
- Properly preheat the grill to achieve appealing grill marks and enhance smoky flavor.
- Keep dressing separate until serving to avoid soggy salad.
- Slice avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Pre-cooked chicken can be used as a time-saving alternative.
- Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freeze grilled chicken separately for up to 3 months; avoid freezing salad or dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken salad, chipotle mayo dressing, healthy salad, quick dinner, gluten free, spicy mayo dressing, fresh salad