Chicken Fajita Salad: A Fiesta in a Bowl!

 

This Chicken Fajita Salad is a vibrant and flavorful meal that's perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner. It combines all the delicious flavors of chicken fajitas with the freshness of a crisp salad, making it a healthy and exciting dish. Get ready for a fiesta in a bowl!

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 large bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade – see below)

For the Salad:

• 8 cups mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, spinach, etc.)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges

For Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional):

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with the fajita seasoning (if using store-bought, just sprinkle it over). If making your own, combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl before tossing with the chicken.
2. Cook the chicken and vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about ¹ 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 more minutes.  
3. Assemble the salad: In large bowls, arrange the mixed greens. Top with the cooked chicken and vegetables, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, black beans, avocado, and cotija cheese.
4. Add toppings and dressing: Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite dressing (a light vinaigrette or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing works well).
   
   
   

Tips and Variations:

• For a spicier salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or include some sliced jalapeños in the salad.
• You can grill the chicken and vegetables instead of cooking them in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
• Substitute the cotija cheese with another cheese you like.
• Add other vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or portobello mushrooms.
• Make it a meal prep friendly recipe by storing the chicken and vegetables separately from the salad ingredients and assembling the salad just before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Chicken Fajita Salad!