Name: Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-491360H57M9S
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or 1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle in adobo; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled); 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; Optional toppings: black beans, shredded cheese, tortilla strips; Dressing: chipotle mayo, lime vinaigrette, or ranch

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This Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad is a fresh, zesty, and protein-packed meal I love making when I want something filling but light. I marinate juicy chicken in a smoky chipotle lime mixture, grill or pan-sear it, then serve it over crisp greens with colorful veggies and a creamy dressing. It’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or a healthy lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love the balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy in every bite. The chipotle lime marinade adds such a punch of flavor to the chicken, and when paired with fresh veggies, it creates the perfect contrast. This salad is hearty enough to be a full meal, and I can customize it with whatever toppings or dressings I’m craving. It’s also a great way to get in plenty of protein and greens without sacrificing flavor. Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
olive oil
chipotle chili powder or canned chipotle in adobo
fresh lime juice
garlic powder
salt and pepper
mixed salad greens
cherry tomatoes
corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
red onion
avocado
optional toppings: black beans, shredded cheese, tortilla strips
dressing: ranch, chipotle mayo, or lime vinaigrette

Directions

I whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
I add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
I cook the chicken on a grill pan or skillet over medium heat until cooked through and nicely charred, then let it rest before slicing.
In a large bowl, I combine salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, sliced red onion, and avocado.
I top the salad with sliced chicken and any optional toppings I want to include.
I drizzle with my favorite dressing and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2-3 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25-45 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap chicken for shrimp or grilled tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version. I also love adding cooked quinoa or farro to make it even more filling. If I want extra crunch, I top it with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas. The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less chipotle.

storage/reheating

I store the chicken separately from the salad to keep the greens fresh. The cooked chicken lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before adding it to the salad. I keep the dressing on the side until ready to serve. Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if I’m short on time, I use rotisserie chicken and just toss it in a bit of chipotle lime sauce for flavor.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Definitely. I prep all the components and store them separately, then assemble just before eating.

What’s the best dressing for this salad?

I love chipotle mayo or a simple lime vinaigrette, but ranch or avocado dressing works great too.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just skip any cheese and choose a dairy-free dressing.

What greens work best?

I usually use a mix of romaine, arugula, and baby spinach for a mix of crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad is one of those meals I never get tired of. It’s fresh, bold, and easy to throw together with minimal effort. Whether I’m making lunch for myself or prepping meals for the week, this salad always satisfies with its perfect mix of heat, zest, and crunch.