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fajita salad

Sizzling Chicken Fajita Salad

A vibrant and flavorful fajita salad featuring grilled seasoned chicken, charred bell peppers and onions over crisp romaine lettuce with a zesty lime dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Protein Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

For the Fajita Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
For the Salad
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 bell peppers different colors, thinly sliced
  • 1 large red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Optional Toppings
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1/4 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese crumbled
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl to create your fajita seasoning.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then coat with two-thirds of the fajita seasoning mixture. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced bell peppers and red onion, sprinkle with remaining fajita seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly charred but still crisp.
  5. Wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large serving bowl.
  6. Slice the rested chicken across the grain into thin strips.
  7. Arrange the grilled chicken strips and pepper-onion mixture over the bed of romaine.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the entire salad.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the salad.
  10. Add any optional toppings as desired—sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, or cheese.
  11. Gently toss everything together just before serving and serve with additional lime wedges.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or extra-firm tofu.
  • The fajita components can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored separately from the lettuce.
  • For meal prep, keep all components separate and assemble just before eating.
  • Add crushed tortilla chips just before serving for extra crunch.