Alright, folks—if you’re in the mood for a salad that actually excites you, look no further! This Green Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad is the perfect combo of fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying protein. It’s super quick to make, healthy as heck, and won’t leave you feeling hungry 30 minutes later. Plus, it’s got all the good stuff: gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and packed with protein. Ready to toss together something that’s as tasty as it is good for you? Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Quick & Easy: You can throw this together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy days when you want something fresh but don’t have time to cook for hours.
→ Packed with Flavor: The cilantro-lime dressing brings a punch of tangy goodness, while the grilled chicken adds that satisfying protein kick.
→ Healthy & Guilt-Free: It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and high in protein. Basically, you get all the good stuff and none of the bad!
→ Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for some crunch—this salad is all about making it your own.
→ Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge. It’s just as tasty the next day—so you can eat healthy all week without lifting a finger!
→ Super Satisfying: Trust me, this salad fills you up without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you energized without slowing you down.
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What You’ll Need To Make
→ Grilled Chicken: The star of the show! It’s lean, packed with protein, and makes this salad super filling. You can grill it up in minutes, and trust me, it’s worth the effort. A good grilled chicken breast can turn any salad into a meal!
→ Avocado: Ah, the creamy goodness of avocado—adds a rich texture and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied. Plus, it gives this salad that fresh, buttery vibe that’s just irresistible.
→ Cilantro: I can’t get enough of cilantro! It’s fresh, zesty, and totally brightens up the whole dish. That herbaceous flavor in the dressing is what gives the salad its pop.
→ Lime: The lime juice in the dressing is what really brings everything to life. It adds a burst of freshness and a tangy kick that balances out the richness of the avocado and grilled chicken.
→ Cucumber: Crisp, refreshing, and full of water, cucumber gives the salad that cool crunch factor. It’s like the little extra something that keeps things light and bright.
These ingredients come together to create a balanced, healthy, and delicious salad that’s perfect for any meal!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 15 mins
1| First, let’s whip up that dressing! Toss the Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, 4 tbsp. of olive oil, and a pinch of salt into a blender or small food processor. Blend it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2| Now, season up your chicken with a little salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a pan and grill those chicken breasts for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through (aim for 165°F inside). Once done, slice it up into nice strips.
3| In a big salad bowl, mix together your lettuce, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro. Divide it up into serving bowls and top with those juicy grilled chicken strips.
4| Drizzle that creamy cilantro yogurt dressing over the top, give it a toss, and voilà! You’re ready to serve!
Note: Chicken grilling time may vary depending on how thick those breasts are, so make sure you hit that perfect 165°F (74°C) for safe eating!
Glycemic Index: 33 (low) Glycemic Load: 3 (low)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some recipe swaps and tweak ideas to make the Green Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad your own:
Recipe Swaps:
1| Swap the Chicken for Tofu or Tempeh: Want a plant-based version? Swap the grilled chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh for a vegan-friendly option that still packs in protein.
2| Use Romaine or Spinach Instead of Lettuce: If you’re not a fan of regular lettuce, try using romaine or spinach for a different flavor and texture.
3| Switch Up the Dressing: If you’re not in the mood for cilantro-lime, you could make a simple lemon-tahini dressing or a creamy avocado dressing for a fun twist!
4| Add Quinoa or Brown Rice: For an even heartier salad, toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice. They’ll add extra texture and make it even more filling.
5| Swap Avocado for Hummus: If you’re not an avocado fan, swap it for a scoop of hummus to add creaminess and flavor to your salad.
Tweak Ideas:
1| Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the dressing if you want some extra heat.
2| Add Nuts or Seeds: Top the salad with roasted sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or even some crunchy pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.
3| Try a Different Herb: If cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley or basil can easily step in for a different flavor profile.
4| Add Roasted Veggies: Try adding some roasted veggies like sweet potato or bell peppers for extra flavor and a more hearty salad.
5| Make It a Wrap: Want to turn it into a portable lunch? Use a large lettuce leaf or a whole wheat wrap to roll up the salad ingredients and dressing for a delicious handheld meal.
These simple swaps and tweaks can give this salad your own personal twist! Have fun experimenting with what you like best.
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Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some useful tips to make your Green Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad even more awesome:
1| Chicken Tip: For juicier grilled chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts for 20-30 minutes before cooking. A simple mix of olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt will do the trick.
2| Crispy Chicken: If you want that crispy chicken texture, try searing the chicken in a hot pan for a minute or two on each side before grilling. It adds that golden crunch!
3| Make Ahead: You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time (except for the avocado, which browns quickly). Just store everything separately in the fridge and toss together when ready to serve.
4| Avocado Tip: To keep your avocado fresh for longer, toss the slices with a little lime juice before adding them to the salad. It’ll prevent them from browning.
5| Dressing Storage: The cilantro-lime dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, so feel free to make a double batch and use it on other salads or even as a veggie dip!
6| Perfect Salad Texture: For a more interesting texture, try mixing in some thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots. They add a nice crunch and extra color.
7| Lettuce Prep: Be sure to wash and thoroughly dry your lettuce before chopping. Wet lettuce can make the salad soggy, so a salad spinner comes in handy here.
8| Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a full meal, add a side of roasted sweet potatoes or whole-grain bread to round things out.
9| Customize the Protein: If you’re not feeling chicken, swap it with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even a hard-boiled egg for a protein-packed option.
These little tips can take your salad to the next level, making it easier and more flavorful. Enjoy!
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Serving Ideas
Here are some fun and tasty serving ideas to make your Green Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad even better:
1| In a Bowl: The classic way—serve it in a big salad bowl and let everyone dive in! Add extra dressing on the side for those who love to drizzle.
2| On a Plate: If you’re serving for a special occasion or want something a bit more elegant, plate the salad individually on large dinner plates. It looks pretty and makes it feel like a fancy meal.
3| As a Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) to wrap the salad ingredients into a handheld wrap. Perfect for lunch on the go or a light dinner.
4| As a Side Dish: If you’re serving this alongside something heavier (like grilled steak or roasted chicken), use smaller portions as a refreshing side salad. It pairs perfectly with just about anything grilled!
5| In a Jar: Layer the salad in mason jars for a fun and portable meal prep option. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the heavier ingredients (like chicken), then top with the lighter ingredients (like lettuce and avocado). Shake it up when you’re ready to eat!
6| Add Some Crunch: Serve the salad with a side of crispy tortilla chips or roasted chickpeas for extra crunch. It adds a fun texture and makes the meal more satisfying.
7| With a Side of Rice: For a more filling meal, serve the salad with a side of cooked quinoa or brown rice. It turns the dish into a complete, hearty meal.
8| Top with Cheese: If you’re not strictly dairy-free, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for a little extra creaminess and tang.
These ideas will help you enjoy this salad in a variety of ways, whether you’re looking for something casual, portable, or a little more dressed up!
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Storage Options
Here are some storage options to keep your Green Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad fresh:
1| For the Salad (without the dressing):
Airtight Containers: Store the salad ingredients (lettuce, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, and grilled chicken) in an airtight container. This helps keep everything fresh for up to 2-3 days. Just avoid adding the avocado until you’re ready to serve it to prevent browning.
Layered Storage: If you want to separate the ingredients, store each component in separate containers and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat. This method helps everything stay crisp.
2| For the Dressing:
Jar or Small Container: Keep your cilantro-lime dressing in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also make extra dressing and use it on other salads or as a veggie dip.
3| For Leftover Salad with Dressing:
If you’ve already tossed the salad with the dressing, it’s best to store it in an airtight container for up to 1 day. After that, the salad will get soggy, especially with the avocado and dressing. So, if possible, keep the dressing separate and toss it just before serving.
4| Freezing:
Grilled Chicken: If you have leftover grilled chicken, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge and warm it up!
Cilantro-Lime Dressing: You can freeze the dressing in an ice cube tray for convenient portion sizes. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw when needed, and it’ll be good to go.
These storage tips will help keep your salad fresh and ready to enjoy for the next few days!
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it! A super simple, healthy, and delicious salad that’s perfect for busy days when you still want something fresh and satisfying. This recipe never disappoints, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a quick lunch, this one’s sure to keep you full and happy. Enjoy, and don’t forget to come back for more tasty meals like this one!
Recipe Card
Green Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad
Ready for a salad that’s packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients? My Green Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad is gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of protein. Toss it together in a flash for a fresh, satisfying meal! 🥑🍋
Ingredients
For the cilantro yogurt dressing:
Instructions
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Step 1:
Begin by preparing the dressing. In a blender or small food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use. -
Step 2:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips. -
Step 3:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, sliced cucumber, avocado, and torn cilantro. Divide the mixture evenly into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with the sliced grilled chicken. -
Step 4:
Drizzle the cilantro yogurt dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.
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Note:
Grilling time for the chicken may vary depending on the thickness of the breasts. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for proper doneness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 408kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Sodium 92.4mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
