Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you an irresistible Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad recipe that’s bursting with bold flavors. Combining the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and the vibrant zest of fresh lime, this salad is not only low in carbs but also a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or just looking for a healthy, delicious option, this Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad is bound to become a new favorite.
Introduction
This Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your kitchen. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken with a creamy chipotle lime dressing creates a dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent. With its high-fat content and low-carb profile, it’s a perfect addition to any ketogenic meal plan. Packed with a variety of textures and flavors, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
This recipe is not just about the taste; it’s also about ease of preparation. From the tangy marinade to the fresh salad ingredients, every element is thoughtfully combined to create a meal that’s quick and simple to make. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and keto-friendly chicken salad:
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chipotle Lime Marinade:
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic: Minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt: To taste
Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 avocado: Diced
- ¼ cup red onion: Thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro: Chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes: Halved
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Optional Substitution Tips: You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version or use dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-intolerant friendly. Feel free to swap out cheddar for your favorite cheese variety.
How to Make Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad – Step by Step
Creating this delightful Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal in under 30 minutes:
Step1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together the chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Coat the chicken breasts in this marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes.
Step2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook: Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Step3: Prepare the Salad
- Combine the ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the salad greens, avocado, red onion, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Step4: Make the Dressing
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step5: Assemble the Salad
- Add the chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing: Pour the chipotle lime dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Helpful Tip: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible. This will help the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate the Chicken Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and freshly chopped herbs make a big difference in the overall taste.
- Serve Cold or Warm: This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Cooking Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature (165°F or 74°C) to avoid overcooking.
- Sear for Flavor: If using a grill pan, press down lightly on the chicken to get those beautiful sear marks.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps the juices intact, making each bite tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad with:
- A light zucchini noodle side salad.
- A refreshing cucumber and mint-infused water.
- Or serve it in a low-carb tortilla wrap for a keto-friendly taco twist.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Total Fat: 45g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Vitamin A: 750 IU
- Vitamin C: 24 mg
Nutritional info for Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad: This recipe is rich in healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, making it a perfect keto dish that’s low in carbs and high in flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken separately in a microwave or skillet. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Because of the fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended for this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this salad dairy-free?
- Yes, substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether.
- What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?
- Greek yogurt or avocado-based dressings are excellent substitutes for a healthier option.
- How can I add more heat to the salad?
- Add extra chipotle chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Can I meal prep this salad?
- Yes, store the components separately and assemble before serving to keep everything fresh.
Related Recipes
Explore these related recipes from Optimal Recipes:
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole
: A comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix
: A quick and tasty appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
This Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad is a delicious, nutritious way to enjoy a satisfying meal while sticking to your low-carb goals. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for both keto beginners and seasoned pros. Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you—feel free to share your personal twists in the comments below!
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Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad Recipe | Low-Carb & Delicious
Description
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you an irresistible Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad recipe that’s bursting with bold flavors. Combining the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and the vibrant zest of fresh lime, this salad is not only low in carbs but also a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or just looking for a healthy, delicious option, this Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Chipotle Lime Marinade:
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic: Minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt: To taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 avocado: Diced
- ¼ cup red onion: Thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro: Chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes: Halved
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together the chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Coat the chicken breasts in this marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook: Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
- Combine the ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the salad greens, avocado, red onion, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- Add the chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing: Pour the chipotle lime dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Marinate the Chicken Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and freshly chopped herbs make a big difference in the overall taste.
- Serve Cold or Warm: This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
