If you're looking for a tasty and healthy meal, look no further than this Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad. With just 351 calories per serving, this salad is full of nutrients and flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

This salad is packed with lean protein from the grilled chicken, as well as fiber and vitamins from the fresh veggies and herbs. The tangy lime and cilantro dressing adds a zesty kick that ties everything together.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know to make this delicious salad, as well as some variations, tips and tricks, and storage and serving suggestions.

Ingredients required for Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

To make this salad, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 8 cups mixed greens
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions to prepare Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Here's how to make this delicious salad:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the chicken breasts with the olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
5. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced bell pepper, sliced avocado, and sliced red onion.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cilantro, lime juice, honey, and olive oil until well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Top the salad with the sliced chicken and serve immediately.

Nutritional value of Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Here are the nutritional values for one serving of Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad:

• calories: 351
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 7g

Benefits of Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

There are numerous health benefits to eating this salad, including:

• High in lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
• Loaded with vitamins and minerals from the fresh veggies and herbs.
• Rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Low in calories and sugar, which makes it a great choice for weight loss and overall health.
• Contains healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, which are important for heart health and brain function.

Variations in Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

There are many ways to customize this salad to your liking, such as:

• Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or steak.
• Add in other veggies such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or roasted corn.
• Use different greens such as spinach, arugula, or kale.
• Make the dressing spicier by adding in chopped jalapeno or hot sauce.
• Top the salad with crunchy extras like tortilla chips, croutons, or toasted almonds.

Reasons to love Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

There are so many reasons to love this salad, such as:

• It's packed with flavor and texture.
• It's a great way to use up leftover chicken.
• It's easy to customize to your liking.
• It's a healthy and satisfying meal on its own, or can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.
• It's perfect for meal prep or to take with you on the go.

Tips to make the best Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

To ensure that your salad turns out perfectly, try these tips:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute and keep it moist.
• Don't skimp on the dressing - it's the key to the salad's zesty flavor.
• For an extra pop of flavor, marinate the chicken in the dressing before grilling.
• Top the salad with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of extra cilantro for added freshness.

Storage instructions for Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

If you're making this salad ahead of time, it's important to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious. Here's what to do:

• Store the grilled chicken separately from the salad to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Keep the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• When you're ready to eat, simply toss the chicken and salad together and enjoy!

Serving suggestions for Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

This salad is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco for a tangy twist.
• Serve the salad alongside grilled steak or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Make a batch of homemade tortilla chips or serve with store-bought chips for added crunch.
• Serve the salad in lettuce wraps for a fun and portable twist on a classic salad.

Frequently asked questions about Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Here are some common questions and answers about this tasty salad:

• Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh? While it's technically possible to use canned chicken in this recipe, fresh chicken will give you much better flavor and texture.
• How can I make the dressing spicier? If you prefer a spicier dressing, try adding chopped jalapeno or hot sauce to the mix.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Simply store the grilled chicken and salad separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, then toss them together with the dressing when you're ready to eat.