Description
This Mexican Avocado Chicken Salad is a vibrant, zesty, and wholesome meal packed with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, fresh veggies, and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests, it’s a delicious way to bring the bold flavors of Mexico to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Lime Dressing/Marinade:
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- For the Chicken:
- 2 small chicken breasts (400g/14oz)
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Avocado Salsa:
- 1 avocado, chunky diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- For the Salad Base:
- 5 heaped cups romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Lime Dressing:
- Combine lime juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a jar.
- Shake well until fully combined. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a ziplock bag, pour 2 tablespoons of the lime dressing.
- Add chipotle powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Place chicken breasts in the bag, seal, and massage to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 8 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the Avocado Salsa:
- In a bowl, combine diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and chopped red onion.
- Add a few tablespoons of the dressing and toss gently.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Place romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle with some lime dressing and toss to coat.
- Layer the salad with avocado salsa and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle the remaining lime dressing over the top.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing chipotle powder.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or black beans.
- Store salad components separately to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Skillet and Tossed
- Cuisine: Mexican