Spiced Chorizo and Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring smoky grilled chicken and spicy homemade chorizo over fresh greens, tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless chicken breast, olive oil, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Rub 8 oz boneless chicken breast with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 oz homemade chorizo sausage, breaking it into small pieces, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Toss the salad with the dressing until evenly coated. Top with sliced grilled chicken and cooked chorizo pieces. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chorizo and Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Chorizo and Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chorizo and Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Chorizo and Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Chorizo and Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes