Description
This tasty chicken fajita salad is a vibrant and healthy meal combining seasoned grilled chicken with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, beans, corn, and avocado. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it bursts with Tex-Mex flavors and is easily customizable with optional cheese and dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Salad
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, coat the thinly sliced chicken breasts with olive oil, fajita seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated for the best flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken slices for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, corn kernels, thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix all ingredients well.
- Add the chicken: Slice the cooked chicken if not done already and add it to the salad bowl with the other ingredients.
- Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salad if desired.
- Top with avocado: Arrange the sliced avocado on top of the salad for creaminess and extra flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the salad to add a refreshing herbal note.
- Serve with lime wedges: Serve the salad with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating for a zesty finish.
- Add dressing (optional): If desired, drizzle your favorite dressing or a squeeze of lime juice over the salad before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute fajita seasoning with taco seasoning if preferred.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular skillet works just fine.
- For a vegan version, omit the chicken and cheese, and add grilled tofu or more beans.
- Use fresh lime juice rather than pre-packaged for a brighter flavor.
- This salad is great for meal prep; keep the avocado and dressing separate until serving.
- Use canned corn drained or frozen corn thawed for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your taste.
