Zesty Grilled Chicken Fiesta Salad
This vibrant salad combines tender grilled chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The familiar salsa taste is balanced with the warmth of spices and the brightness of lime, creating a dish that's not just delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a nutritious weeknight dinner, this salad brings a fiesta of flavor to your table. Customize the heat by choosing your favorite salsa, and enjoy the delightful crunch of tortilla chips for added texture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
chili powder
1 (tablespoon)
cumin
1 (teaspoon)
garlic
1 (teaspoon, chopped)
lime juice
2 (tablespoons)
olive oil
1/4 (cup)
cilantro
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
chicken breasts
1 1/2 (lbs, boneless and skinless)
sweet onion
1 (sliced into thick rounds)
red pepper
1 (cut in quarters)
zucchini
2 (cut in half)
salt and pepper
to taste
mayonnaise
1/2 (cup)
salsa
1/4 (cup)
lime juice
1 (tablespoon)
cilantro
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
avocado
1 (peeled and sliced)
tortilla chips
2 (cups)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, chopped garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro to create a marinade.
2
Brush the marinade generously over the chicken breasts, onion rounds, red pepper, and zucchini.
3
Cover and let the ingredients marinate for 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
4
To prepare the dressing, combine mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
5
Preheat the grill to high heat.
6
Once the grill is ready, season the marinated chicken and vegetables with additional salt and pepper.
7
Grill the chicken for approximately 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from grill and let cool.
8
Grill the vegetables for about 4 minutes per side or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove from grill and let cool.
9
Once the chicken has cooled, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
10
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled chicken with the prepared dressing. Gently add the grilled vegetables and toss lightly until everything is well coated with dressing.
11
To serve, garnish with sliced avocado and a generous handful of tortilla chips for crunch. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Grilled Chicken Fiesta Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy salsa-based dressing, perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of chili powder, cumin, chopped garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro.
How long should I marinate the chicken and vegetables?
It is recommended to cover and let the ingredients marinate for 1 hour to fully enhance the flavors.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe features sweet onion rounds, red pepper quarters, and halved zucchini.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to high heat before cooking the chicken and vegetables.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices should run clear.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken for approximately 5 minutes per side or until it reaches the safe internal temperature.
How long should I grill the vegetables?
Grill the vegetables for about 4 minutes per side or until they are tender and show nice grill marks.
When should I slice the chicken?
Once the chicken has been removed from the grill and allowed to cool, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
How is the salad assembled?
Combine the sliced chicken with the dressing in a large bowl, then gently toss in the grilled vegetables until coated.
What garnishes are recommended for this fiesta salad?
Garnish the salad with sliced avocado and a generous handful of tortilla chips for added texture and crunch.
Can I control the spice level of this salad?
Yes, you can customize the heat by choosing a mild, medium, or hot salsa for the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is specifically described as a hit with both kids and adults due to its familiar salsa taste.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
How should the sweet onion be prepared for the grill?
The sweet onion should be sliced into thick rounds before marinating and grilling.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of olive oil for the marinade.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is usually preferred for brightness, bottled lime juice can be used for the marinade and dressing.
What spices give the salad its 'fiesta' flavor?
Chili powder and cumin are the primary spices that provide warmth and a southwestern profile.
How much salsa is required for the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa.
Should I season the meat again before grilling?
Yes, once the grill is ready, season the marinated chicken and vegetables with additional salt and pepper.
How much tortilla chips should I add?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of tortilla chips for the final dish.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features lean protein and a variety of fresh grilled vegetables.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific serving counts aren't provided, it uses 1.5 lbs of chicken and multiple vegetables, making it a substantial meal.
Can I make this salad if I don't have a grill?
While grilling provides the signature char, you could use a grill pan or a broiler to achieve similar results.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, simply cut the zucchini in half lengthwise for grilling; the skin is edible and holds the shape well.
Can the dressing be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and set it aside until you are ready to assemble the salad.
Why is cilantro used twice in the recipe?
Cilantro is used both in the marinade to flavor the meat and in the dressing for a fresh herbal finish.
Is there a specific way to cut the red pepper?
The red pepper should be cut into quarters to ensure they are large enough to grill easily without falling through the grates.
How do I ensure the tortilla chips stay crunchy?
Add the tortilla chips as a garnish just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy from the dressing.