This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a refreshing and protein-packed meal bursting with zesty flavors. Juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a tangy chili-lime dressing, paired with crisp lettuce, sweet bell peppers, and creamy avocado. It’s a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for healthy recipes, high-protein meals, or simple recipes to try, this dish delivers
Marinade/Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
100 ml (just over ⅓ cup) freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
¾ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
Salad:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets
½ yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
½ red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
½ onion, sliced
5 cups romaine (or cos) lettuce, washed and dried
2 avocados, sliced
Extra cilantro leaves for garnish
Sour cream (optional) to serve
Make the marinade/dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Pour half of the marinade into a shallow dish and add the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours (if time allows). Refrigerate the remaining marinade to use as a dressing.
Grill the chicken: Heat 1 tsp of oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
Cook the vegetables: Wipe the pan clean, drizzle with another 1 tsp of oil, and sauté the bell peppers and onion until softened.
Assemble the salad: Slice the chicken into strips. Arrange lettuce, avocado slices, peppers, and onions in a bowl or plate.
Serve: Drizzle the remaining marinade/dressing over the salad. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and serve with sour cream if desired.
For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
If you prefer, you can use chicken breast fillets instead of thighs for a leaner option.
This salad can be made ahead; simply store the dressing and salad components separately to keep everything fresh.
For a more substantial meal, add some black beans or corn to the salad.