Escape the ordinary with this vibrant and flavorful Fiesta Grilled Chicken Salad. A delightful medley of grilled chicken, crisp greens, sweet corn, and zesty dressing, all crowned with crunchy taco chips. It's a fiesta in every bite!

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a resealable plastic bag or glass container, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. (1 hour to overnight)

02

Step

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat (about 350-450°F or 175-230°C) and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. (10-14 minutes)

04

Step

Remove the cooked chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before roughly chopping or dicing it. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad. (5 minutes)

05

Step

In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, baby greens, corn kernels, Cheddar cheese, black beans, and diced cucumber. (5 minutes)

06

Step

In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, salsa, and finely chopped cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. (2 minutes)

07

Step

Immediately before serving, sprinkle the salad with crushed taco chips and the diced grilled chicken. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. (2 minutes)

For an extra smoky flavor, try using wood chips (such as mesquite or hickory) when grilling the chicken.
If you don't have an outdoor grill, the chicken can be cooked in a grill pan on the stovetop or baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite toppings! Avocado, bell peppers, red onion, or jalapeños would all be delicious additions.
To make this salad lighter, use a light ranch dressing or substitute plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little lime juice and spices for the ranch dressing.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or use a hot salsa in the dressing.