Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing
A vibrant and satisfying Grilled Chicken Salad with smoky, tender grilled chicken, fresh mixed greens, creamy avocado, and a spicy chipotle mayo dressing. Quick to prepare and full of balanced flavors and textures, this healthy and customizable salad is perfect for lunches, dinners, or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon favorite spices (e.g., cumin, paprika)
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Chipotle Mayo Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- Juice of ½ lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and your preferred spices for about 15 minutes to infuse fresh, zesty flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and grill marks appear, ensuring the meat stays tender and smoky.
- Make the Chipotle Mayo Dressing: While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise with finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a creamy, spicy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or plate, layer the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and thinly sliced red onions. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the homemade chipotle mayo dressing generously over the salad. Toss lightly if desired and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Notes
- Marinate well to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Adjust chipotle quantity in the dressing slowly to control spice level.
- Prep vegetables and dressing ahead for quick assembly.
- Use fresh, crisp greens and ripe avocado for best texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken salad, chipotle mayo dressing, healthy salad, quick dinner, smoky chicken salad, summer salad, gluten free
