Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s saved my sanity on more weeknights than I can count. What is this Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad? Imagine all the best parts of a taco—the juicy, flavorful chicken, the fresh veggies, and the zingy toppings. What is the fuss of folding tortillas? If you’re anything like me and adore a good Chipotle bowl, but are looking for an easy, home-cooked meal, this is the bowl for you. What is a healthier alternative? What’s a good marinade for chicken? What is something from a fancy restaurant? My family begs for this one all the time!
What is Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad?
Think of it as a deconstructed taco, but way more fun! Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad is basically a fiesta in the bowl. I usually go for romaine lettuce, but you can use whatever you like.) I start with a base of crisp lettuce (I like to eat kale and radishes) and ends with some roasted veal. I serve this What’s a good way to top grilled chicken with cilantro? What are some of the best taco toppings? Black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, maybe some avocado if I’m feeling fancy. What’s a good cilantro lime dressing? What is summer in a bowl?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad is how incredibly flavorful it is. What is that cilantro lime marinade for chicken? What is that citrusy kick that’s just irresistible What is the dressing? Is it creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, it coats every single ingredient in the salad. What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight meal? Is it possible to make a movie in 30 minutes? Plus, it’s relatively healthy, packed with protein and veggies, so I don’t feel guilty about serving it. Is it good for my family? Is it better to take out than takeout? Why don’t you like black beans? Swap them for pinto beans. Craving some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or some jalapeos to salad. What are the possibilities? If you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired flavors like in my Spicy Black Bean Burgers or my Queso Blanco Burger, I’d recommend this recipe. I promise you’ll adore this!
How do you make Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad?
Quick Overview
What is the best Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad recipe? How do I marinate chicken, grill or pan fry it, chop some veggies, and whip up a quick meal? What is a healthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes? Is ordering pizza easier than ordering a pizza?
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Chicken: For a vegetarian
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I sometimes use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips (for topping, optional)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Set aside. Salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Add more water if necessary. Is it safe to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours? I always try to plan ahead and marinate it in the morning before work. What makes dinner time so much easier?
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. How do you remove chicken from marinade? Grill or pan-fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and shallots. Serve immediately. In a small bowl, combine garlic, water, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar if I want it sweeter.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and red onion. Set aside. Top with sliced or shredded chicken and avocado (if using). If desired, drizzle with the creamy cilantro lime dressing and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Once the chicken has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. What makes it more tender and easier to eat in salad? Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad, drizzle generously with the dressing, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. What are some of the best tortilla chips? What is the best way to serve a bowl of soup and watch everyone devour it!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to make Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad? What are some ideas for a complete meal?
For a Fiesta Feast: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and some refried beans. Add some homemade guacamole and salsa for dipping tortilla chips.
For a lighter meal:Serve with black bean soup or cucumber salad. What is a good side of lime?
For a Party: Set up a taco salad bar with all the fixings! Let everyone customize their own salad with their favorite toppings. It’s always a hit!
My family loves when I make a big batch of my Skinny Margaritas to go with this salad. It really completes the whole experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad
Okay, here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad even better:
Marinating Magic: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful and tender it will be. I usually aim for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours is even better.
Grilling vs. Pan-Frying: I love the smoky flavor that grilling adds to the chicken, but if you don’t have a grill, pan-frying works just as well. Just make sure to use a good quality skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little more water or lime juice until it reaches your desired consistency. I like mine to be pourable but not too runny.
Lettuce Love: I find that romaine lettuce holds up the best in this salad, but you can use any type of lettuce you like. Just make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or some diced jalapeños to the salad. You could even use a spicier chili powder.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! I sometimes add bell peppers, jicama, or even grilled pineapple to my taco salad. The possibilities are endless!
I’ve also learned that using pre-cooked chicken in a pinch works surprisingly well. Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a great shortcut!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, here are a few tips for storing and reheating:
Storing the Salad: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, otherwise the lettuce will get soggy.
Storing the Chicken: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the salad, as the lettuce will become wilted and the other ingredients may lose their texture. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags.
I usually don’t add the tortilla chips until right before serving, to keep them from getting soggy in the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a weeknight savior, a party pleaser, and a delicious way to enjoy healthy, flavorful food. The vibrant cilantro lime flavors, the juicy chicken, and the customizable toppings make it a winner every time. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s become such a staple in our house, and I have a feeling it will in yours too. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Mexican-inspired dishes! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your taco salad turned out. Happy cooking, friends!
Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 0.5 cup lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pkg taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup tortilla chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook chicken breasts until fully cooked. Shred or chop chicken.
- In a bowl, combine cooked chicken with cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with taco seasoning.
- Layer lettuce, tomatoes, chicken mixture, and cheese in a bowl or on a plate.
- Top with tortilla chips and serve immediately.
