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Chicken Chopped Salad with Lime-Spiced Grilled Chicken and Creamy Dressing Recipe

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4 from 67 reviews

This vibrant Chicken Chopped Salad features succulent grilled chicken marinated with smoky spices and lime, tossed with fresh romaine, bell peppers, jalapeno, corn, avocado, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Completed with a creamy, zesty Greek yogurt dressing, this salad is a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinated Chicken

  • 1.2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper (to taste)

Dressing

  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce of choice
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper (to taste)
  • 2-4 tablespoons water (to thin dressing)

Salad

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
  • ½ cup green onions (sliced)
  • ⅓ cup curly parsley (chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 jalapeno (seeded and diced)
  • 1 ½ cups corn (fresh or frozen and thawed)
  • 1 large avocado (chopped)
  • ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill surface to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, sliced green onions, chopped parsley, diced red bell pepper, diced jalapeno, corn, chopped avocado, roasted pumpkin seeds, and the grilled chicken pieces. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Divide the salad among plates and enjoy immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Notes

  • You can marinate the chicken overnight ahead of time for deeper flavor.
  • If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen corn thawed completely works well.
  • Adjust the jalapeno quantity based on your preferred spice heat level.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
  • Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours but is best fresh.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat