Description
This Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing combines juicy, smoky grilled chicken with crisp mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spicy chipotle mayo dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal any time of year, it balances textures and bold smoky, tangy flavors in a vibrant dish that’s excellent for lunch, dinner, or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, or preferred mix)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
For the Chipotle Mayo Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt, a pinch
For Grilling and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Mix the Chipotle Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spiciness or acidity as desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. Place the sliced grilled chicken on top and drizzle with the chipotle mayo dressing.
- Final Touches: Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken with olive oil, lime juice, and garlic for 30 minutes prior to grilling for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Use canned chipotle peppers in adobo paste for the best smoky heat and flavor; avoid chipotle powder.
- Add toasted pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Prepare the chipotle mayo dressing a day ahead to enhance flavor depth.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess and maintain salad freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken salad, chipotle mayo dressing, healthy salad, smoky dressing, quick lunch, summer salad