Chipotle Chicken Salad
This Chipotle Chicken Salad combines juicy grilled chicken with smoky chipotle-lime flavor, crisp vegetables, and a creamy yogurt-based dressing. It’s protein-rich, satisfying, and customizable—from mild and smoky to gently spicy—without feeling heavy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Chipotle Chicken
500 g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast, sliced
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chipotle powder (use ¼ tsp for mild)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground cumin
Juice of ½ lime
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Salad Base
4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ avocado, sliced
Creamy Chipotle Yogurt Dressing
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp chipotle powder
½ tsp honey
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken evenly.
Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and avocado.
Make the Dressing
Whisk yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chipotle powder (if using), and salt until smooth.
Assemble & Serve
Top salad with sliced chicken.
Drizzle dressing and toss gently before serving.
Tips & Notes
Mild Version: Use smoked paprika only—skip chipotle powder entirely.
Extra Protein: Add black beans, chickpeas, or grilled corn.
Meal Prep: Store components separately; keeps well for 3 days.
Dairy-Free: Use cashew or coconut yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is chipotle very spicy?
Chipotle is smoky with mild heat. You can easily adjust or omit it.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—toss it with the spice mix and warm briefly.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
Yes—high protein, fiber-rich, and very filling.
Q: Can I turn this into a bowl?
Absolutely—add quinoa or brown rice for a hearty meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~390 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 5 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Sodium: 360 mg