Chili Lime Chicken Salad

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This chili lime chicken salad is a fresh, flavorful meal made with seasoned chicken, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, avocado, and a bright homemade lime dressing. It's a great option for easy lunches or light weeknight dinners that still feel satisfying.

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A Quick Look at the Recipe

✅ Recipe Name: Chili Lime Chicken Salad
🕒 Ready In: ~30 minutes
👪 Serves: 2 servings
🍽 Calories: ~800 per serving
🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, lime dressing
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free; low-carb; dairy-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - simple stovetop cooking and assembly

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The chicken is cooked quickly in a skillet with chili powder and coriander, then sliced and served over a simple salad base. Finished with cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of lime dressing, this salad balances savory, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.

If you enjoy fresh, protein-packed salads like this one, you may also like our Taco Salad, Steak Caesar Salad, or Avocado Chicken Salad that come together fast.

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A Quick Look at the Recipe
Why You'll Love this Chili Lime Chicken Salad:
Key Ingredients:
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
How to Make Chili Lime Chicken Salad:
Recipe Notes & Tips:
How to Store:
Chili Lime Chicken Salad FAQs:
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Chili Lime Chicken Salad

Why You'll Love this Chili Lime Chicken Salad:

Bright, bold flavor: Chili seasoning and fresh lime give the chicken plenty of flavor without being heavy.
Quick stovetop cooking: The chicken cooks fast in a skillet, making this salad easy to prepare any day of the week.
Light but filling: Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a simple dressing create a satisfying meal.
Simple ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients you can find year-round.
Great for lunch or dinner: Works well as a light dinner or a make-ahead lunch option.

Key Ingredients:

chicken breasts. Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the chili-lime seasoning.
lettuce. Forms a crisp, fresh base for the salad; romaine or mixed greens both work well.
roma tomatoes. Firm and meaty, they add freshness without too much liquid. Cherry tomatoes can also be used for a touch of sweetness.
avocado. Adds creaminess and healthy fats, slice just before serving to prevent browning.
lime. Used in both the chicken and dressing to add bright, citrus flavor.
crumbled cotija cheese. Brings a salty, crumbly finish that complements the chicken and dressing.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.

Easy Substitutions & Variations:

Make it dairy-free: Omit the cotija cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Use a different protein: Grilled shrimp or steak can be used in place of chicken.
Adjust the spice level: Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for more heat, or reduce the seasoning for a milder salad.
Swap the greens: Mixed greens, butter lettuce, or shredded cabbage all work well as the base.
Change the dressing slightly: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra tang or a bit more honey for sweetness.

How to Make Chili Lime Chicken Salad:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season evenly with chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
While the chicken rests, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, and honey until well combined.
In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce and toss with just enough dressing to lightly coat.
Top the salad with sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese.
Finish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Notes & Tips:

Let the chicken rest before slicing: Resting for a few minutes helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
Use fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.
Dress the salad lightly: Start with less dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing the greens.
Add avocado just before serving: This helps prevent browning and keeps the texture fresh.
Serving suggestions: Pair with Gazpacho Soup or a side of Guacamole for a simple, balanced meal.

How to Store:

Refrigerator (components): Store cooked chicken, veggies, cheese, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.
Refrigerator (assembled): If the salad is already dressed or layered, enjoy within 1 day, as the lettuce and avocado will soften quickly.
Freezer: Not recommended, since lettuce, avocado, and sour cream do not freeze well.

Chili Lime Chicken Salad FAQs:

How do you keep chili lime chicken salad from drying out?

To keep chili lime chicken salad from drying out, avoid overcooking the chicken and let it rest before slicing so the juices redistribute.

Can chili lime chicken salad be made ahead of time?

Chili lime chicken salad can be partially prepped ahead by cooking the chicken and mixing the dressing, but it's best assembled just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Can chili lime chicken salad be made dairy-free?

Yes. Chili lime chicken salad can be made dairy-free by omitting the cotija cheese or replacing it with a dairy-free alternative.