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Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad

Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Fire up your grill for this vibrant Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty lime-cilantro blend, then grilled alongside smoky bell peppers and onions. Served over crisp romaine with creamy avocado and a drizzle of sour cream, this healthy, gluten-free salad packs all the bold flavors of sizzling fajitas without the tortillas. Perfect for low-carb lunches, weeknight dinners, or meal prep — it’s a fiesta in every bite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Marinade/Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 100 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Salad:
  • 4 boneless chicken thigh fillets, skin removed
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 5 cups Romaine lettuce (or cos lettuce), washed and dried
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 1 pinch cilantro, extra to garnish
  • 1 pinch sour cream (optional, to serve)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, crushed garlic, brown sugar, red chili flakes, ground cumin, and salt to make the marinade/dressing.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for dressing. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  5. While chicken rests, toss sliced bell peppers and onion with a drizzle of olive oil. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.
  6. In a large bowl, arrange Romaine lettuce. Top with grilled chicken strips, grilled peppers and onions, and sliced avocado.
  7. Drizzle with the reserved marinade (dressing). Garnish with extra cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips: For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade. Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy. Substitutions: Use chicken breast instead of thighs (adjust cooking time). Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative. Make it vegan by substituting grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms. Storage: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken and veggies before assembling.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: B
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: grilled chicken fajita salad, low carb, healthy, summer, gluten free