Sharing is caring!

Welcome to another delightful and healthy recipe! Today, we’re going to dive into an exciting dish: the Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad. This recipe is perfect for anyone following a keto diet or looking for a flavorful low-carb lunch option. With its bold combination of chipotle peppers and lime, this salad is guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation!

Introduction

The Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad brings the smoky, spicy heat of chipotle peppers together with the freshness of lime, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. Inspired by Mexican flavors, this keto-friendly salad is not only easy to make but also perfect for meal prepping. Packed with healthy fats, fresh veggies, and protein, it’s a filling meal that leaves you satisfied without loading up on carbs. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this dish is a must-try!

Ingredients for Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Fo r the Chipotle Lime Marinade:

• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 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

Substitutions: You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or substitute cheddar cheese with feta if you prefer.

How to Make Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad – Step by Step

Step1: Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step2: Make the Chipotle Lime Marinade

• In a bowl, whisk together the chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.

Step3: Marinate the Chicken

• Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they’re well-covered. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour if you want more flavor.

Step4: Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step5: Prepare the Salad

• While the chicken is cooking, toss the salad greens, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and shredded cheese together in a large bowl.

Step6: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step7: Assemble the Salad

• Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top of the salad. Drizzle the chipotle lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Helpful Tips for Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad

• Marinating Time: For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice for a brighter flavor, and freshly chopped cilantro to enhance the Mexican flair.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder in the dressing according to your spice preference.

Cooking Tips 

• Grilling Option: If you prefer a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
• Chicken Tenderness: Always allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices and ensures tender slices.

Serving Suggestions 

This Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with:

• A side of Keto-friendly tortillas for a low-carb taco salad experience.
• A refreshing cucumber-lime agua fresca to balance out the spice.
• Serve it with keto-friendly guacamole or salsa verde for added flavor.

Nutritional Information

Healthy Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad is loaded with good fats, proteins, and very few carbs, making it a perfect option for keto enthusiasts.

Nutritional info for Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad:

• Calories: 560 kcal
• Fats: 42g
• Carbs: 10g
• Proteins: 36g
• Fiber: 6g

Storage and Leftovers for Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
• Reheating: To reheat the chicken, slice it and warm it in a skillet for a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the chicken.

4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble the salad right before serving to keep it fresh.

2. Is this salad dairy-free?

The salad contains cheese, but you can omit it or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.

3. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp or tofu are excellent alternatives for this recipe.

4. How spicy is this salad?

The heat level depends on the amount of chipotle chili powder and peppers you use. Adjust these to suit your taste.

2 Related Recipes 

For more inspiration, check out these delicious recipes:

• Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread – A Hearty Meal: Perfect for those who love hearty, satisfying meals.
• Grilled Chicken Chimichangas: A keto-friendly version of a classic Mexican dish.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got all the details on how to make this Chipotle Lime Keto Chicken Salad, it’s time to try it out! With bold flavors and keto-friendly ingredients, this salad is bound to become one of your go-to meals. Let us know how it turned out for you, and feel free to share your personal twists on the recipe!

Enjoy this flavorful and healthy dish, and don’t forget to leave feedback or share your variations!

Print