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30 Minutes or Less

Chicken Fajita Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

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chicken fajita salad in a bowl with cilantro lime dressing on top and on the side.

I’m here to tell you that salads CAN be delicious, and this chicken fajita salad proves that! It’s fresh, loaded (…& I mean LOADED) with flavor, and high in protein. It’s similar to my reader-favorite Mediterranean grilled chicken salad, but with a Mexican-inspired marinade instead. And I actually stole the cilantro-lime dressing recipe from my steak salad, but shhh don’t tell anyone! I swear it’s just as incredible in this fajita salad too.

ALSO, you guys know I’m obsessed with meal prep, so I made sure this salad could also be easily meal prepped! To do that, I assemble and divide the salads between four food storage containers. Then, I make the cilantro-lime dressing and store it in a separate jar. When I’m ready to eat, I simply remove one of my meal prepped fajita salads from the fringe, toss it in some dressing, then enjoy! So easy and SO. DAMN. DELICIOUS.

close up image of chicken fajita salad in a bowl.

What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Fajita Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Chicken Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors, so don’t rush this step; allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to maximize taste.

Chicken Cutlets: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets for quicker cooking, or butterfly regular chicken breasts to ensure even thickness and faster grilling!

Bell Peppers: For added smokiness, grill the bell peppers alongside the chicken or use a cast-iron skillet for a charred flavor.

Pumpkin Seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds provide a delightful crunch and keep this salad recipe gluten-free. However, feel free to swap them out for toasted almonds or crispy tortilla strips if you’d like.

Cilantro-Lime Dressing: Customize the dressing’s sweetness by adjusting the honey or maple syrup according to your taste preference. You can also add all dressing ingredients to a blender (no need to chop the cilantro or garlic if you do) then blend until smooth!

chicken fajita salad with cilantro lime dressing in a bowl.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure even browning and avoid steaming.
  • For extra flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it! I love doing this in the summertime – easier cleanup, and super delicious.
  • Make extra dressing—it’s versatile and adds incredible flavor to other salads or grilled veggies! Or, skip the dressing altogether and use your favorite store-bought dressing for an even easier meal.
  • Feel free to customize this salad based on what you love! Not a fan of chicken? Marinate and cook steak instead. Or if you want to add a little cheese, go right ahead!
close up image of chicken in a chicken fajita salad.
5 from 1 vote

Chicken Fajita Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Elevate your salad game with this fresh and flavorful chicken fajita salad! Marinated chicken, sauteed peppers and onions, crisp romaine lettuce, and a quick homemade cilantro-lime dressing. This salad is bursting with delicious flavor!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the salad:

  • 4 boneless and skinless chicken breast cutlets, or 2 chicken breasts sliced horizontally to create 4 chicken cutlets
  • 1/2 yellow onion, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, cored and sliced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cored and sliced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, cored and sliced
  • 5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 avocados, clised
  • 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

For the cilantro-lime dressing:

  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  • Whisk marinade ingredients together in a large bowl, then add in the chicken breasts. Coat the chicken in the marinade, then cover and let it sit while you prep the rest of your salad.
    chicken-fajita-salad-step-1
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add about a teaspoon of oil to the skillet, then add in the sliced onion and peppers. Cook the peppers and onions for about 3-5 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Remove the peppers and onions from the skillet and set aside.
    chicken-fajita-salad-step-2
  • Return your skillet to medium-high heat, then add the chicken cutlets to the skillet. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 165° Fahrenheit. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Now, make the cilantro-lime dressing by adding all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisking together to combine.
  • Assemble the salad by placing the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cooked peppers and onions, cooked then sliced chicken, avocado, and pumpkin seeds to a large bowl. Drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or, meal prep this salad ahead of time by storing the dressing separately. Then, right before serving, pour dressing over the salad and enjoy!

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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Big Mac Salad

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big mac salad in a bowl with sesame seeds on top.

I’m the self-proclaimed salad QUEEN, and am thrilled to add this big mac salad to my resume. File it right under my Jennifer Aniston salad, buffalo chicken salad, and Kardashian salad. I have a high criteria when it comes to salads, they must be three things – filling, easy, and DELICIOUS. And this big mac salad checks all of those boxes!

And I can’t forget my favorite part – it’s perfect for meal prep. Because if there’s one thing I don’t have time for as a busy work from home mom, it’s making lunch. So I make this big mac on Sunday, portion it into 4 containers and store the big mac sauce dressing separately. Then, when I need a quick ready-to-go lunch, I simply add the dressing and dive in!

overhead image of healthy big mac salad in a bowl.

Healthy Big Mac Salad Ingredients

Ground Beef: Ground beef serves as the hearty base of this salad, providing protein and savory flavor. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option.

Dill Pickles: Tangy and crisp dill pickles add a burst of flavor and texture to the salad, reminiscent of the classic Big Mac sandwich.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and creaminess to the salad, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.

Mayo: Mayo is the key ingredient in the Big Mac sauce salad dressing, bringing the whole dish together!

Tips and Tricks

  • Adjust the ingredients in the Big Mac sauce dressing to suit your taste preferences. Add more ketchup for sweetness, extra relish for tanginess, or a dash of vinegar for acidity.
  • Save time by preparing the dressing and cooking the ground beef in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
  • Feel free to customize your Big Mac salad with additional toppings like diced onions, crumbled bacon, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
healthy big mac salad in a bowl with big mac sauce salad dressing on the side.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free alternative. I used the Violife vegan cheddar shreds in my salad!

Make it Keto/Low-Carb: For a keto big mac salad, swap out the ketchup in the big mac sauce salad dressing with a sugar-free alternative and adjust the quantity of tomatoes to reduce carb content while still enjoying the classic flavors.

big mac salad in a bowl with sesame seeds on top.
5 from 2 votes

Healthy Big Mac Salad

This big mac salad tastes just like a big mac, without the bun! Ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy cheddar cheese are tossed together with a homemade big mac sauce dressing for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the iconic taste of a big mac in a lighter, healthier salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 red or white onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup tomatoes (any kind), chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles

For the big mac sauce salad dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon relish, or finely minced pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar, or apple sider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Make the dressing but adding all big mac sauce salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together to combine. Taste and adjust any seasoning as desired.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once pan is hot, add in the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break meat up into small pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remove cooked ground beef from the heat and set aside while you assemble your salad.
  • Add the chopped lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced onion, chopped tomatoes, chopped dill pickles, and cooked ground beef to a large bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine, then enjoy immediately.
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30 Minutes or Less

Meal Prep Chicken Salad Lunch Boxes

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overhead image of chicken salad lunch boxes with cucumbers, almond, grapes, and blackberries

Hey there, lunch lovers! Are you tired of sad desk lunches or last-minute takeout decisions? We’ve got the solution – a scrumptious, healthy Meal Prep Chicken Salad Lunch Box that’ll have your coworkers drooling and your taste buds doing the happy dance. So, dust off those meal prep containers and let’s dive into lunchtime bliss!

meal prep chicken salad lunch boxes with crackers on the side.

For more meal prep recipes, purchase my ULTIMATE Meal Prep E-Book for just $5 HERE!

What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Salad

Chicken Breast: The star of the show! Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and protein-packed salad.

Mayonnaise: Go light or use a healthier mayo option if you’re watching your calories. It’s the creamy base that ties everything together. I used Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayonnaise in my chicken salad.

Pecans or Walnuts: These crunchy nuts add a delightful texture and a hint of nutty flavor to your chicken salad. Choose your favorite!

Fresh Tarragon: Don’t skip this herbaceous gem! Fresh tarragon elevates the flavors to a whole new level.

Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice provides that zesty kick that makes your taste buds sing.

chicken salad being scooped up with a cracker.

Click HERE for a link to the meal prep lunch boxes I use in this recipe!

Tips and Tricks

  • The Perfect Chicken: Start with perfectly cooked chicken. You can poach it, grill it, or even use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. The key is to make sure it’s cooked through but still juicy. Overcooked chicken makes for a dry salad, and we don’t want that!
  • Balance is Key: Play around with the mayo-to-chicken ratio to suit your taste. Some like it creamy, while others prefer a lighter touch. You’re the boss of your lunchbox, so adjust to your heart’s content.
  • Prep for Success: This chicken salad is an MVP in meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it into containers for the week. It stays fresh in the fridge, making lunchtime a breeze. Just be sure to keep the nuts separate until you’re ready to dive in to maintain that satisfying crunch.
5 from 1 vote

Meal Prep Chicken Salad Lunch Boxes

Hey there, lunch lovers! Are you tired of sad desk lunches or last-minute takeout decisions? We’ve got the solution – a scrumptious, healthy Meal Prep Chicken Salad Lunch Box that’ll have your coworkers drooling and your taste buds doing the happy dance. So, dust off those meal prep containers and let’s dive into lunchtime bliss!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the chicken salad:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the lunch boxes:

  • crackers, I used gluten-free crackers
  • cucumbers or carrots, sliced
  • fruit, such as grapes or berries
  • nuts, such as almonds

Instructions

  • Place chicken breasts in a wide pot or deep skillet, then pour in enough water until chicken is completely submerged in water.
  • Bring pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove chicken from the water, then place on a cutting board and either chop the chicken into cubes or shred the chicken with two forks.
  • Place chopped or shredded chicken into a large bowl and let cool completely.
  • Once cool, add in all remaining chicken salad ingredients. Mix everything together until well combined.

For the lunch boxes:

  • Add the chicken salad to the lunch boxes along with the veggies, fruit, and nuts. Then, store the crackers separately.
  • Store the chicken salad lunch boxes in the fridge for up to 4 days, and store the crackers separately at room temperature.

Notes

  • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

    Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to lunchtime bliss with our Meal Prep Chicken Salad Lunch Boxes! It’s the perfect blend of protein, flavor, and convenience. Plus, with our handy tips and tricks, you’ll be the lunchtime hero of your office.

    So, go ahead, whip up a batch, and let your taste buds savor the deliciousness. Your coworkers will be envious, and your taste buds will be thanking you. Happy meal prepping!

    Interest In More Meal Prep Recipes? Check These Out!

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

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    close-up overhead image of shrimp spring rolls on a plate with peanut sauce.

    Fun and delicious shrimp spring rolls with an irresistibly good peanut dipping sauce! These spring rolls are an easy and exciting way to pack veggies into your diet – they’re super healthy and tasty.

    overhead image of shrimp spring rolls on a plate with peanut sauce on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    Spring Rolls Rice Wrappers – These light little rice-based wraps are what hold these spring rolls together! I’ve had lots of luck finding these at my local grocery store, in the ethnic food aisle. However, if you can’t seem to track these thin rice sheets down, I recommend ordering these on Amazon. Leftover rice wrappers? Try making my summer rolls recipe next!

    Cooked Shrimp – Buy pre-cooked shrimp, or quickly boil it yourself before adding to your shrimp spring rolls. The only thing to note here is that you must remove the tails from your shrimp for this recipe! Removing the tails can happen either before or after cooking – it makes no difference.

    Fresh Mint and Cilantro – These Asian-inspired rolls taste extra fresh thanks to a few sprigs of fresh mint and cilantro! I highly recommend adding fresh herbs to your rolls. Though if you don’t like cilantro, or don’t like mint, simply swap it out for a different fresh herb.

    Peanut Butter – Unsweetened creamy peanut butter is the base to our peanut sauce. However, if you don’t like peanut butter, you can use cashew butter instead. Or, for a nut-free version, try tahini!

    Soy Sauce – Found in most Asian recipes, soy sauce adds the perfect savory component to this dish. However, you can certainly swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos if that’s more your thing.

    shrimp spring rolls on a plate with peanut sauce and fresh limes on the side.

    Tips on Handling Rice Wrappers

    • Submerge one rice wrapper at a time in the water! If you attempt more than one, they’ll stick together and you won’t be able to separate them.
    • Don’t leave the rice wrapper in the water for too long. Just 5 seconds submerged in a shallow bowl of warm water will do the trick. Leaving the wrapper to soak for too long will make it too soft and difficult to handle.
    • Place each rice wrapper (one at a time) on a damp paper towel or dish cloth before filling and rolling. The wrapper will lift easily off the damp cloth, making rolling a breeze. If you place the rice wrapper on a kitchen counter or cutting board, it’ll stick and be a nightmare to remove!
    shrimp spring rolls being dipped into peanut sauce.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegan: For vegan spring rolls, use extra firm tofu cut into strips in place of the cooked shrimp!

    Make it Gluten-Free: The only non gluten-free ingredient in this recipe is the soy sauce. Therefore, use tamari instead, which tastes just like soy sauce but is 100% gluten-free!

    Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
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    Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    0 from 0 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: MainDifficulty: Medium
    Servings

    4

    servings
    Prep time

    20

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    20

    minutes

    Fun and delicious shrimp spring rolls with an irresistibly good peanut dipping sauce! These spring rolls are an easy and exciting way to pack veggies into your diet – they’re super healthy and tasty.

    Ingredients

    • 12 spring roll rice wrappers

    • 1-2 pounds cooked shrimp, shells and tails removed

    • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks

    • 2 medium red bell peppers, seeded and sliced into matchsticks

    • 1 English cucumber, sliced into matchsticks

    • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

    • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

    • For the peanut sauce:

    • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened

    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

    • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

    • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

    • 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced

    • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced

    • 2-3 tablespoons warm water

    Directions

    • Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Submerge one sheet of rice wrapper in water for 5 seconds, then transfer to a clean, damp dish towel.
    • Place 2-3 shrimp, a small handful of vegetables, and a few fresh mint and cilantro leaves in the center of the wrapper. Then, fold the end closest to you over the filling, tuck sides in and towards the center, and finish rolling to create a sealed spring roll. Repeat this process with remaining rice wrappers.
    • Make the sauce by adding all ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine.
    • Serve shrimp spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce on the side.

    Recipe Video

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