Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Marinade Dressing:; ½ cup olive oil; 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp lime juice; ½ tsp lime zest; 3 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp cilantro; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; For The Salad:; 1 lb chicken breasts; 2 heads romaine lettuce; 1 red bell pepper; 1 red onion; 1 cup Mango Salsa

This cilantro lime chicken salad is a perfect blend of freshness and flavor. The chicken is marinated in a tangy lime and cilantro dressing, then grilled to perfection. The salad is a combination of crisp romaine lettuce, sweet red bell peppers, zingy onions and a delightful mango salsa. This is a salad that's not only pleasing to the palate, but also a feast for the eyes.

Photos of Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in home kitchens. However, mango salsa may not be readily available. You can either make it at home or purchase it from a supermarket. Just remember to look for it in the international or salsa aisle.

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Olive oil: A crucial ingredient for the marinade, olive oil helps to balance the acidity of the lime.

Apple cider vinegar: Gives an additional acidic kick to the marinade.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness from the lime.

Lime juice and zest: Provide the refreshing citrus flavor.

Garlic: Gives a depth of flavor to the marinade.

Cilantro: Brings a fresh and citrusy flavor to the salad.

Ground cumin and paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.

Chicken breasts: The protein hero of the dish.

Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp base for the salad.

Red bell pepper and red onion: Adds a sweet and sharp flavor respectively.

Mango salsa: Adds a fruity and tangy kick to the salad.

One reader, Barth Alley says:

This cilantro lime chicken salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant. The marinade gives the chicken a zesty kick, and the combination of ingredients is simply delightful. It's a perfect balance of tangy and savory. I highly recommend trying it out!

Barth Alley

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Marinade dressing preparation: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cilantro, ground cumin, paprika, and salt to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.

Grilling chicken: Cook the marinated chicken breasts on a heated grill pan for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Grilling vegetables: Grill the red bell peppers and onions on high heat in a grill pan until lightly charred, adding a tablespoon of the marinade dressing for extra flavor.

Salad assembly: Arrange torn romaine lettuce at the bottom of the bowl, then add the grilled red bell peppers, onions, sliced chicken, and mango salsa. Drizzle the remaining marinade dressing over the salad, toss, and serve.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Cilantro and lime are a perfect match in this chicken salad, as they add a bright freshness that’s hard to top. Whip up a serving in just 30 minutes!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Marinate Time: 10 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Marinade Dressing:

½cupolive oil
3tbspapple cider vinegar
1tbsphoney
1tbsplime juice
½tsplime zest
3garlic cloves,minced
2tbspcilantro,chopped
1tspground cumin
1tsppaprika
1tspsalt

For Salad:

1lbchicken breasts,boneless skinless
2romaine lettuce heads,roughly chopped
1red bell pepper,cubed
1red onion,sliced
1cupmango salsa,optional

Instructions

Whisk together all the ingredients for marinade dressing.
Marinate the chicken in half the dressing for 10 minutes, reserving the rest for the salad.
Heat a grill pan and place the chicken breasts on it. Cook on each side for 4 to 5 minutes.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes and then slice.
In the same grill pan, add the red bell peppers and onions along with a tablespoon of the dressing and grill on high heat till lightly charred. Remove and set aside.

To Assemble:

Place roughly torn romaine lettuce at the bottom of the bowl. Place the red bell peppers, onions, chicken and mango salsa on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing.
Toss, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 553.95kcal
Fat: 38.87g
Saturated Fat: 6.93g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 24.18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.73g
Carbohydrates: 25.48g
Fiber: 9.27g
Sugar: 13.39g
Protein: 29.50g
Cholesterol: 72.57mg
Sodium: 1141.83mg
Calcium: 157.75mg
Potassium: 1366.54mg
Iron: 5.05mg
Vitamin A: 1470.47µg
Vitamin C: 56.44mg

Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

When grilling the chicken and vegetables, ensure the grill pan is properly heated before adding your ingredients. This will help to sear the outside, locking in the juices and flavor, and give your chicken and vegetables a nice charred appearance and taste. Also, remember to let the chicken rest after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Marinate efficiently: Combine all the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag and add the chicken. This ensures even coating and saves time on cleaning up.

Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables and make the marinade dressing the night before. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad when you're ready to eat.

Multi-task: While the chicken is marinating, prep the salad ingredients or work on other tasks to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Grill in batches: If you're making a larger quantity, grill the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.

Use store-bought: If you're short on time, consider using pre-made mango salsa to cut down on prep work without sacrificing flavor.

Invest in a grill pan: A grill pan allows you to grill indoors, saving time on setting up an outdoor grill and cleaning afterwards.

Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice the red bell peppers and onions before grilling to save time during the cooking process.

Batch cooking: Consider grilling extra chicken to use in other meals throughout the week, saving time on future meal prep.

Substitute Ingredients For Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Recipe

cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley has a similar fresh and slightly peppery flavor to cilantro, making it a good substitute in this recipe. It will provide a vibrant green color and a hint of herbaceousness to the dish.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a similar level of acidity and a slightly different citrus flavor that will still complement the other ingredients in the marinade.
lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used in place of lime zest to provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the marinade, adding a bright and zesty element to the dish.
mango salsa - Substitute with pineapple salsa: Pineapple salsa can be used as a substitute for mango salsa, providing a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of tropical fruitiness that will complement the other ingredients in the salad.

Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Elevate the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into elegant, uniform pieces and arrange them in a visually appealing manner on the plate.
Create a vibrant salad bed: Arrange the romaine lettuce in a delicate and artistic manner to create a visually stunning base for the dish.
Garnish with charred vegetables: Place the grilled red bell peppers and onions strategically around the plate to add color and depth to the presentation.
Drizzle the dressing with finesse: Use a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle the marinade dressing over the salad, ensuring an elegant and refined presentation.
Incorporate mango salsa elegantly: Spoon the mango salsa onto the plate with precision, adding a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Balance the elements: Ensure that each component of the dish is balanced in terms of color, texture, and placement on the plate to create a visually stunning presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Grill pan: A grill pan is a heavy-duty pan with raised ridges, designed to mimic the grill's cooking effect. It's perfect for indoor grilling and gives food those coveted grill marks.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending ingredients together, incorporating air into a mixture, and emulsifying dressings and sauces.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool for combining ingredients, marinating meats, and preparing salads. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Tongs: Tongs are versatile kitchen utensils used for flipping, turning, and serving food. They are essential for grilling and can handle delicate items like salad greens or sturdy pieces like grilled chicken.
Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients. For this recipe, a chef's knife or utility knife would be ideal for cutting the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients. It helps protect your countertops and keeps your knives sharp.
Grater: A grater is used to zest citrus fruits, such as limes, and can also be used to grate garlic or ginger for marinades and dressings.

Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

To store the cilantro lime chicken salad in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to store the salad for a longer period, you can freeze it. However, keep in mind that the texture of the lettuce and other vegetables may change after freezing and thawing.
To freeze the salad, place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
When freezing, it's best to store the chicken, vegetables, and dressing separately. This will help maintain their quality and texture.
The frozen cilantro lime chicken salad will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To thaw the frozen salad, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Do not leave it at room temperature to thaw, as this can cause bacterial growth.
Once thawed, mix the components of the salad together and add fresh lettuce and any other desired fresh vegetables before serving.
If the dressing has separated or looks clumpy after thawing, you can whisk it together again or blend it briefly in a food processor or blender to restore its consistency.

How to Reheat Leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then add it back to the salad. This will help maintain the texture of the chicken and prevent it from becoming rubbery.
If you prefer a cold salad, simply remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding it back to the salad.
For a quick and easy reheat, place the chicken and salad in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the lettuce to wilt and the chicken to become tough.
If you have leftover grilled vegetables, reheat them in a skillet or on a grill pan over medium-high heat until they are heated through and slightly crispy. Add them back to the salad for an extra burst of flavor.
To freshen up the salad, drizzle a small amount of reserved dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. This will help revive the flavors and keep the salad from tasting too dry.
If you find that the lettuce has become soggy after storing, simply remove the chicken and vegetables and place them on top of a fresh bed of romaine lettuce. This will give your leftover salad a crisp and refreshing taste.

Fascinating Trivia About Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, but they have different flavors. Cilantro refers to the leaves and stems, while coriander refers to the seeds. This recipe uses fresh cilantro to add a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor to the salad.

Budget-Friendly: Is Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Cost-Effective for Home Cooks?

This cilantro lime chicken salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, romaine lettuce, red bell pepper, and onion, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of lime and cilantro adds a refreshing flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Healthy?

The cilantro lime chicken salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. Here's why:

The marinade dressing is made with olive oil, which is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
The recipe uses lean chicken breasts, which are an excellent source of protein and low in saturated fat.
The salad includes nutrient-dense ingredients like romaine lettuce, red bell peppers, and onions, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
The addition of mango salsa adds a burst of flavor and provides extra vitamins and antioxidants.

However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:

Use a reduced amount of olive oil in the marinade dressing to lower the overall calorie content.
Opt for a low-sodium salt alternative or reduce the amount of salt used in the marinade to help control sodium intake.
Include additional colorful vegetables in the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots, to increase the variety of nutrients and fiber.
Choose a whole grain option, like quinoa or brown rice, to serve alongside the salad for a well-rounded meal that includes complex carbohydrates.
Consider using Greek yogurt in place of some of the olive oil in the dressing to boost the protein content and create a creamy texture without adding excessive calories.

By making these simple adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy cilantro lime chicken salad recipe, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that supports overall well-being.

Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Recipe

This cilantro lime chicken salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade dressing infuses the chicken with a zesty and aromatic profile, while the grilled vegetables add a smoky sweetness. The mango salsa provides a refreshing and fruity element, balancing the savory components. The overall dish is vibrant, fresh, and perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the zesty cilantro lime chicken salad.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a light and refreshing side to complement the flavors of the cilantro lime chicken salad.

Fruit Kabobs with Honey Lime Glaze: Assorted fruits skewered and grilled, then drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey lime glaze, a delightful and colorful addition to serve alongside the cilantro lime chicken salad.

Delicious Alternatives to Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before grilling them on skewers for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro with lime juice for a refreshing and flavorful salsa that pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: Rub a whole chicken with a mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs before roasting it in the oven for a juicy and flavorful main dish.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in the creamy goodness of this spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate appetizer experience. A crowd-pleasing dish that will leave your guests coming back for more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety smooth cream cheese filling. Topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Why trust this Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Recipe:

This recipe offers a tantalizing combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The marinade dressing infuses the chicken with zesty lime juice and fragrant cilantro, creating a succulent and aromatic centerpiece. The vibrant romaine lettuce and charred red bell peppers add a refreshing crunch, while the mango salsa provides a sweet and tangy finish. With a harmonious blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey in the dressing, this recipe promises a symphony of flavors that will surely captivate your taste buds.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of meat for this salad?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of meat such as shrimp, steak, or tofu to make this salad. Just adjust the cooking time and marinating process accordingly.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.

Is there a substitute for cilantro if I don't like the taste?

If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or basil. Both herbs will provide a fresh and vibrant flavor to the marinade.

Can I skip the grilling and bake the chicken instead?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It will still be delicious and flavorful.

How long will the leftover salad last in the refrigerator?

The leftover salad will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to keep the dressing on the side and add it when you're ready to enjoy the salad to keep it fresh and crisp.