Craving a meal that's both refreshing and packed with bold flavors? Look no further than this mouthwatering Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Salad! Imagine tender, juicy grilled chicken infused with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro, perfectly nestled on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, accompanied by sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy avocado. This isn't just a salad - it's a culinary adventure that will transport your senses to a Mexican-inspired paradise in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Place them in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the salad ingredients. Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the romaine lettuce.
- Slice the avocado and set it aside for later assembly of the salad.
- Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is resting, toss the chopped romaine and cherry tomatoes together in the salad bowl. You can also add any additional toppings you like, such as cheese or nuts.
- Slice the grilled chicken into strips and arrange it on top of the salad mixture in the bowl.
- Finally, add the sliced avocado on top of the salad. Drizzle with additional lime juice if desired and season with extra salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Salad immediately, enjoying the fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken (up to 2 hours), the more intense the cilantro-lime flavor will be.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Grill Marks Matter: Preheat your grill or grill pan to achieve those beautiful, appetizing char marks on the chicken.
- Avocado Timing: Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its fresh, creamy texture.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra toppings like crumbled queso fresco, toasted pepitas, or a drizzle of cilantro-lime dressing to make this recipe your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 50mg
