Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing
A vibrant and healthy Grilled Chicken Salad with a smoky, spicy chipotle mayo dressing. This quick and easy recipe combines tender grilled chicken breasts with mixed salad greens, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies for a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
For the Chipotle Mayo Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
For Seasoning the Chicken
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Drizzle olive oil over them to lock in moisture and enhance grilling flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and grill marks appear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Make the Chipotle Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the spiciness by adding more chipotle peppers if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. Top with sliced grilled chicken, then drizzle generously with the chipotle mayo dressing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Toss gently to coat the salad lightly with dressing or serve as is for a layered presentation. Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavors.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in herbs, olive oil, and spices for 30 minutes prior to grilling for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer or careful timing to avoid overcooking and drying the chicken.
- Choose fresh, crisp vegetables to maximize texture and flavor.
- Balance the dressing flavors by adjusting lime juice and chipotle peppers to your preference.
- Add crunch with toasted nuts or seeds if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken salad, chipotle mayo dressing, healthy salad, quick lunch, gluten free, spicy dressing