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Mexican Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant Mexican Chicken Salad featuring tender chicken breast, fire-roasted corn, fresh veggies, and creamy cotija cheese, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime crema. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner with a flavorful twist.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded or diced
  • 12 oz fire roasted corn, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (omit for dairy-free version)

Cilantro Lime Crema

  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (substitute all mayo for dairy-free)
  • ⅓ cup avocado oil mayonnaise
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken breast, fire-roasted corn, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, diced avocado, seeded and diced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and cotija cheese.
  2. Make the cilantro lime crema: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, avocado oil mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, and paprika until smooth and fully combined.
  3. Combine and toss: Pour the cilantro lime crema over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  4. Serve and enjoy: Your Mexican Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Crema is ready to serve. Enjoy as is, or pair with gluten-free crackers, tortilla chips, tostadas, or fresh greens.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize this salad by adding cherry tomatoes, black beans, or diced cucumbers for added flavor and texture.
  • For extra heat, add a splash of jalapeño juice into the cilantro lime crema.
  • If dairy-free, omit the Greek yogurt and cotija cheese, and use all vegan mayonnaise in the dressing.
  • Serve with gluten-free crackers, tortilla chips, tostadas, or on a bed of fresh romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.