Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a vibrant, zesty, and satisfying meal that combines smoky grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for warm weather or a light dinner, this salad is packed with flavor and texture, offering a healthy yet indulgent option that feels restaurant-worthy at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastslime juiceolive oilgarliccloveschili powdercuminpaprikasaltpepperbell peppers (red, yellow, green)red onionromaine lettuceavocadocherrytomatoesfresh cilantro

For the dressing:

lime juiceolive oilhoneygarlicdijon mustardsaltpepper

directions

In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Add chicken breasts to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Slice bell peppers and red onion. Lightly toss with a bit of oil and grill for 3-4 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

In a large bowl, assemble chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, grilled peppers, and onions.

Add the sliced chicken on top.

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutesGrilling and assembly time: 20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or steak for a protein twist.

Add black beans or corn for extra texture and fiber.

Top with crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese.

Use mixed greens instead of romaine for a different base.

Add a jalapeño or hot sauce to the dressing for a spicier kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Keep the dressing in a sealed jar and add just before serving.Reheat the chicken and grilled vegetables in a skillet or microwave until warm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and offer a juicier bite.

Do I have to grill the vegetables?

No, you can sauté them or roast in the oven as an alternative.

Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild kick from the chili powder, but you can adjust to your taste.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes, prep all the components ahead and assemble just before serving.

What other dressings go well with this salad?

A creamy cilantro ranch or avocado lime dressing would be great options.

Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Yes, but homemade marinade offers fresher, more customizable flavor.

Is this salad low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fiber.

Can I meal prep this for the week?

Absolutely—just store ingredients separately and combine fresh.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with this?

Tortilla chips, a side of rice, or a refreshing agua fresca pair nicely.

Conclusion

Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a deliciously bold and wholesome dish that brings together smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any meal where you want something healthy that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad is a must-try.