Honey Lime Chicken Taco Salad (Print Version)

Grilled chicken with honey-lime marinade served over crisp romaine with corn, black beans, avocado, and tangy dressing.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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
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:

01 - Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over chicken, turning to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - Combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, avocado, and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
05 - Combine honey, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a jar or bowl. Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified and smooth.
06 - Drizzle dressing over salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing delicate components.
07 - Top salad with sliced grilled chicken, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately while chicken is still warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The honey lime marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something restaurant worthy
  • You get that perfect crunch from fresh vegetables and creamy avocado in every bite
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
02 -
  • Do not marinate chicken longer than 2 hours or the honey will break down the meat texture
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing is non negotiable for juicy results
03 -
  • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating for consistent cooking
  • Room temperature chicken grills more evenly than cold from the fridge
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