Name: Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Marinade/Dressing:; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 100 ml freshly squeezed lime juice; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 2 crushed garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; ¾ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to spice preference); ½ teaspoon ground cumin (and 1 teaspoon salt.); Salad:; 4 boneless; skinless chicken thigh fillets; ½ yellow bell pepper (sliced); ½ red bell pepper (sliced); ½ onion (sliced); 5 cups Romaine or cos lettuce (washed and dried); 2 avocados (sliced); 1 pinch extra cilantro for garnish; 1 pinch optional sour cream for serving.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When I made this Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe for the first time, I knew it was going to be a household favorite. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, crisp peppers, creamy avocado, and vibrant lime dressing is just too good to resist. What makes it even better is that the luscious dressing doubles as a marinade for the chicken, so all those bold flavors are consistent throughout the dish.

I love how effortless this salad is to put together, yet it looks and tastes like something straight out of a fancy restaurant. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleaser at a get-together, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Trust me, this isn’t just your average salad; it’s a high-flavor, ultra-satisfying meal that’s as fresh as it is filling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe for its bold flavors, quick prep, satisfying balance, and easy customization. Here’re detail reasons:

Bursting with Fresh, Bold Flavors

The marinade and dressing deliver a citrusy tang with a hint of spice. Combine that with chargrilled chicken and fresh vegetables, and you’ve got a flavor explosion in every bite.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, and the steps are simple. A perfect option for busy weeknights or when you need something impressive in a pinch.

A Complete Meal in One Bowl

Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Say goodbye to boring, plain salads!

Customizable for Any Diet

Whether you need it gluten-free, low-carb, or with a vegetarian spin, this recipe is flexible and easy to adapt to your preferences.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Marinade/Dressing

Olive oil
Fresh lime juice
Cilantro
Garlic
Brown sugar
Red chili flakes
Cumin
Salt

Salad

Boneless chicken thighs
Yellow bell pepper
Red bell pepper
Onion
Romaine lettuce
Avocado
Cilantro (for garnish)
Sour cream (optional)

Variations

Looking to customize your Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad? Here are some great ideas!

Add Heat: Toss in finely diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.
Switch the Protein: Try grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Different Greens: Use kale, spinach, or butter lettuce for a twist on the classic Romaine base.
No Sugar? No Problem: Replace brown sugar with honey, agave, or skip it altogether for a sugar-free option.

Equipment You’ll Need

Grill Pan: To achieve that chargrilled effect on the chicken and veggies.
Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and vegetables neatly.
Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.
Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the marinade and dressing.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken and peppers while grilling.

How to Make Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad?

This salad is easy to prepare and incredibly fun to cook! Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade 🥣

Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, crushed garlic, brown sugar, red chili flakes, cumin, and salt in a bowl. Pour half the marinade into a shallow dish to coat the chicken, reserving the other half in the fridge for later as the dressing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken 🍗

Place boneless chicken thighs into the marinade dish, turning them to coat evenly. If time allows, marinate for up to two hours for maximum flavor, but even 15 minutes makes a difference!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill 🔥

Heat a grill pan or skillet with a touch of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs on each side until they’re golden, crispy, and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest for five minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies 🫑

Using the same pan, wipe it clean and add a little more oil. Throw in sliced onions, red bell peppers, and yellow bell peppers. Stir-fry until they’re tender with a slight char.

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad 🥑

Layer a large bowl with crisp Romaine leaves, creamy avocado slices, the grilled veggies, and sliced chicken. Drizzle everything with the reserved marinade-turned-dressing from the fridge, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for garnish.

Step 6: Serve and Indulge! 🌟

Your Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is now ready to enjoy. Serve it with optional sour cream or tortilla chips on the side for extra satisfaction!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Maximize Marinade Time: If possible, marinate the chicken overnight for unbeatable flavor.
Don’t Skip Resting: Allowing the chicken to rest locks in the juices for extra tenderness.
Slice Everything Thinly: Thin slices of veggies and chicken make each bite easier and more balanced.
Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it leads to steaming instead of grilling.

How to Serve Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad?

This salad is a masterpiece on its own but can also be elevated with thoughtful presentation. Serve it family-style in a large platter, or for individual portions, use shallow bowls to display layers of greens, chicken, and veggies. Garnish with avocado slices, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of cilantro for that final touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or even a refreshing glass of margarita to enhance the meal experience!

Nutritional Information

Each serving is loaded with nutrients. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key values per serving.

Calories: 426
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 30g

Make Ahead and Storage

Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is perfect for meal prep or hosting events.

Meal Prep Made Easy

You can grill the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving, and drizzle with the chilled dressing for freshness.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To avoid soggy lettuce, keep the veggies and chicken separate from the greens. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and peppers, then toss everything together with the dressing.

This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience full of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures. Perfect for a family dinner or an elevated lunch option, it’s a recipe that you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a whirl, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!