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Tex-Mex Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • For the Salad:
  • 6 cups Romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken : In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly with the marinade. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes while prepping the salad ingredients. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dressing : In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill until ready to serve.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Salad : In a large salad bowl or platter, arrange chopped lettuce as the base. Top with black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, onion, and cheese. Place sliced grilled chicken over the top. Drizzle generously with cilantro lime dressing.
  • Step 4: Toss and Serve : Lightly toss to coat everything in the dressing. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!