Honey Lime Chicken Taco Salad (Print Version)

Zesty grilled chicken salad with romaine, corn, black beans, and honey-lime dressing. Fresh, satisfying, and ready in 35 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Honey Lime Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 tablespoons honey
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
07 - 1 garlic clove, minced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad Base

10 - 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup cooked corn kernels
13 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
15 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
16 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
17 - 1/2 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, optional
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

→ Honey Lime Dressing

19 - 2 tablespoons honey
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
21 - 1/4 cup olive oil
22 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
23 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
24 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, cheese, diced avocado, and red onion.
05 - In a small jar or bowl, combine honey, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder. Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
07 - Top the dressed salad with grilled chicken slices, tortilla strips if using, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The honey lime marinade does double duty, creating juicy chicken while the dressing ties everything together in minutes
  • You get that restaurant-style taco salad experience at home with way more fresh vegetables and zero guilt
02 -
  • Grilling the chicken slightly cooler than you think prevents the honey in the marinade from burning and turning bitter
  • Adding the tortilla strips at the very last second keeps them satisfyingly crisp instead of soggy
03 -
  • Pound your chicken to even thickness before marinating to ensure it cooks evenly and stays juicy
  • Let the grilled chicken rest for the full five minutes, or all those delicious juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in your salad
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