This Chicken Taco Salad will be the only chicken salad you ever want to make!
This Chicken Taco Salad is bursting with tender, juicy chicken, all your favorite fiestalicious salad fixings including lettuce, tomatoes, beans, bell peppers, cheese, avocados, crunchy, salty tortilla chips all topped with Creamy Baja Catalina Dressing. This Chicken Taco Salad ingredients can be prepped in advance and the dressing can be made days ahead of time for a quick and easy lunch or dinner any day of the week – which is great thing because you won’t be able to stop craving this Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad!
CHICKEN TACO SALAD RECIPE VIDEO
Why you will love this Chicken Taco Salad Bowl
Who loves taco salad? The crunchy lettuce and tortilla chips, the creamy avocados and cheese, the fresh corn and bell peppers – it is a texture lovers paradise. Once you swap your beef for chicken and you have true paradise because its practically guilt free plus hearty, satisfying and fresh!
One of the most popular taco salad recipes is the combination of ground beef with Catalina Dressing. But seeing as this has been done again and again, I thought I’d bring you a different version – an elevated Chicken Taco Salad that is drop-your-jaw deeeeelicious. As in your jaw will drop in shock at just how good this salad is and it will drop to continuously shovel as much salad into your mouth as humanly possible.
The Best Chicken for Chicken Taco Salad
A CHICKEN Taco Salad is only as good as the chicken so I’ve created a spin off my favorite Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos to create this star Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe.
This Cilantro Lime Chicken is wonderfully juicy, tangy and garlicky but not over-the-top flavorful, so it’s ready to get doused in our homemade intoxicatingly delicious Creamy Baja Catalina Dressing.
I use chicken breasts because they emerge wonderfully juicy once marinated but you are welcome to use chicken thighs as well. You can even turn this into a shrimp or salmon taco salad and use the same tantalizing marinade.
How do I cook Chicken for Chicken Taco Salad?
You can grill or pan fry this Cilantro Lime Chicken, which means you can devour this Chicken Taco Salad year round. And you are going to want to devour it year round.
To Grill:
- Grease and preheat the grill to medium heat, 375-450°F.
- Drain chicken from marinade, pat off excess and add to grill. Grill chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F.
- Remove chicken to cutting board and baste with reserved 2 tablespoons marinade. Garnish with additional lime juice to taste if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
To Cook on the Stove Top:
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Once very hot, drain chicken from marinade, pat off excess and add to skillet.
- Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until nicely browned on one side. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 4-6 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken to cutting board and baste with reserved 2 tablespoons marinade. Garnish with additional lime juice to taste if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
What’s the Best Dressing for Chicken Taco Salad?
Chicken Taco Salad is often served with Catalina Dressing, but this isn’t just any Catalina Dressing, it is BAJA Catalina Dressing! What makes this zesty Catalina Dressing “Baja” style is the addition of one tablespoon of our reserved Catalina marinade which boasts cilantro, lime, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, etc. By reserving one tablespoon for our dressing, we are doubling the flavor without doubling the work.
Do I have to Add Mayonnaise?
The creamy aspect of the Catalina Dressing comes from whisking in both mayonnaise and sour cream to our Catalina Dressing. I love this creamilicoius twist but if you prefer more of a vinaigrette then feel free to replace the mayo/sour cream with canola oil.
The dressing is super quick to whip up and the sweetness is a wonderful complement to the lime punch of the chicken, but just be aware that people seem to have a wide range of opinions as to how sweet Catalina Dressing should be, so you probably want to start with less sugar and add more to taste.
What Goes in Chicken Salad?
In addition to our juicy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Baja Catalina Dressing, this epic chicken salad is supported by an encore cast of:
- crunchy lettuce
- juicy tomatoes
- sweet fresh corn
- creamy avocado
- hearty black beans
- cheese crunchy, salty tortilla chips
Once you toss all of these ingredients together you have tons of flavor and texture in every bite. That being said, these ingredients are just a guideline. You can use more or less of each ingredient, add other vegetables or omit some completely. The ingredient list is up to you to make it YOUR favorite Chicken Taco Salad!
How Do I serve Chicken Taco Salad?
There are three ways to serve Chicken Taco Salad:
- If you don’t expect or want leftovers: add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss with desired amount of dressing.
- If you expect leftovers: add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl except the avocados and tortilla strips. Let leftovers top individual servings with dressing, avocados and tortilla strips.
- Create a Taco Salad Bar by lining up all of the ingredients in separate serving bowls and let guests assemble their own Chicken Taco Salad.
Can I Make Chicken Taco Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Both the Cilantro Lime Chicken and the Catalina Dressing can be made and refrigerated ahead of time. All the fixings except the avocados can be chopped and stored in separate airtight containers so this Chicken Taco Salad can come together in a flash when you are ready to chow down.
All that’s left to do is give them a toss to create the perfect compliment of textures and flavors in every Chicken Taco Salad bite! And then let your jaw drop…
Looking for more Chicken Salad Recipes?
- Caprese Chicken Salad with Creamy Balsamic Reduction Dressing
- Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Cilantro Ranch
- Chipotle BBQ Chicken Salad with Tomatillo Avocado Ranch
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Pineapple Sesame Dressing
- Asian Salad (with Chicken) with Sriracha Peanut Dressing
- Greek Chicken Salad with Tzatziki Dressing and Pita Croutons
- Chipotle Chicken Salad with Honey Lime Mango Dressing
- Garden Caesar Salad with Lemon Basil Chicken
- Southwest Pepper Jack Salad with Chile Lime Chicken
- Chinese Chicken Salad Wraps
Want to try this Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad Recipe?
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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com
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Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Baja Catalina Dressing
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Ingredients
Salad
- 1 Recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered (or 2 roma tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- corn from 2 ears sweet corn (raw)
- 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese or more to taste
- 2 avocados, chopped
- Tortilla Chips, slightly crushed or tortilla strips to taste (the more the better!)
Creamy Baja Catalina Dressing
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar more or less to taste (start with less)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream (may sub yogurt)
- 1 tablespoons reserved Cilantro Lime Marinade (in directions)
Instructions
- Meanwhile, whisk together all of the Dressing ingredients in a medium bowl, including the 1 tablespoon reserved Cilantro Lime Marinade. Store in the refrigerator. Best if chilled at least 30 minutes. May keep in an airtight container up to 7 days.
- To assemble, add the Salad Ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine. Drizzle individual servings with desired amount of dressing. Season with additional salt, pepper, hot sauce and/or lime juice to taste.
Video
Notes
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©Carlsbad Cravings Original
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One Pot Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Beans
debbie says
HI! I just have to say, I love your site! Your pictures are gorgeous!! My salads never look like this. You have talent!!
Debbie
Jen says
Thank you so much Debbie, what a kind comment to wake up to! I am so happy you are loving my site! Salads are my favorite food to photograph because of all the beautiful colors and textures!
Tonya says
What are the carbs and calories in cilantro lime chicken salad ,doing keto so was wanting info looks delish!
Jen says
Hi Tonya, you can calculate info at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator Enjoy!
Luna says
I concur – the salad looks like an art work! Thanks for sharing with us Jen!
Jen says
Thank you so much Luna! I hope you love it!!
Allie says
Hey Jen,
This is my next recipe to make of yours…..still have many more of yours I categorized “MAKE IT NOW!”
I think I may need to purchase a wooden bowl!
You do have a talent for scrumptious food. Not just a picture that looks good, the taste…….oh my, the taste!
I hope you are feeling strong. Thank you for all your recipes and all the effort you put into the great postings. I will remember you as long as I live.
Jen says
haha – if only there was more time in the day to make all of our “Make It Now” recipes! I have SO many recipes I want to create and post but that whole time thing 🙂 I am pretty sure I got that bowl at Target- they have so many awesome bowls! Thank you so much for you thoughtful words especially your line ” I will remember you as long as I live” – totally getting me teary – what a beautifully kind thing to say! Thank you for making me feel so loved Allie, you are a very special woman! xo
Kelsey says
Oh my goodness!! This looks delicious!! Definitely making it this weekend!!
Jen says
YAY! Thanks Kelsey, hope you love it as much as us!
Elizabeth says
We are trying this tonight but so far we’re confused. Your dressing looks white & creamy. We made it to the recipe shown and it was dark brown – like a balsamic vinaigrette (because of the ketchup & red wine vinegar). Did we miss something along the way? (Also, can you point to the ground beef version of this?)
Jen says
Hi Elizabeth, the sour cream and mayonnaise make it lighter.
layne says
Loved this vinaigrette! Totally delicious!
Jen says
Awesome! I love the sweet and tangy too! Thanks Layne!
Ellen says
Made this tonight for my husband and myself. Absolutely loved it. The presentation is very colorful and appealing. The taste of the dressing was wonderful. While there looked to be a lot of food, it was very light and delicious. Will definitely make this again. Thanks for the wonderful recipe.
Jen says
yesssss! I’m thrilled it was a hit with both of you! Thank you Ellen!
SBakes says
Why haven’t more people made this recipe???? People (whether you like cilantro or not), you do not know what you are missing! It is the bomb. I made this exactly as written, with the addition of some green peppers, red onion and cucumbers (just because we like those), and this beat ANY salad I’ve ever made at home OR had in a restaurant. The chicken was so juicy and flavorful, and the dressing completed the salad perfectly! Don’t cheat yourself – make the dressing. It’s easy and so good – and I am in the anti-creamy salad dressing camp. I’ve been converted. This will be something I make again and again.
Jen says
Thank you SO much for your awesome comment – I loved waking up to it this morning! I am thrilled you loved this salad as written including the creamy dressing! Thank you for making my day!
William Easley says
On your Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Baja Catalina Dressing, do you know the calories, fat, sodium, etc. (nutritional facts)? I made this tonight (5-9-18) for dinner and it was a big hit!!! Definitely repeat. Thanks!
Jen says
Hi William, I’m so happy it was a hit with all your guests! You can calculate the info at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Karen says
I made this wonderful salad as a lunch entree yesterday and everybody really enjoyed it! Confession: I was never a ‘catalina dressing’ girl so instead, I used an avocado cilantro dressing and it was heavenly. But that’s what’s wonderful about your recipes: I can customize them according to my preferences and they ALWAYS taste fantastic. Again, thank you for your great recipes!
Jen says
You are so welcome Karen! This would taste amazing with avocado cilantro dressing as well-mmmm! I’m so happy it was a hit and that you are enjoying my recipes!
Tammy says
Thank you… it was….Delicious! I barley had time to marinate the chicken (only 30 mins) I also short cut the dressing and used the ranch salsa dressing from Aldi and added fresh cilantro as a garnish and no cheese . ❤️ This is definitely a keeper! I ♥ your website!
Jen says
Awesome Tammy, I’m so happy you loved it and your substitutions sound delicious! Thanks for making my recipes!
Ann Hiltner says
Another winner! This was fantastic. I marinated the chicken overnight, starting with frozen chicken breasts. The dressing mixed in a hurry (I used Splenda instead of the sugar ) and with minimal prep time on Sunday I had a fabulous meal after a long work day Monday.
I have yet to try a recipe of yours that was not delicious. Thanks so much! Now to make this for the second time in as many weeks!
Jen says
I loved waking up to your comment this morning, thanks so much Ann! I am so happy you are enjoying my recipes and that you loved this salad as well!
Ann Hiltner says
Just made this for the 4th time in as many weeks. The recipe has been passed to several friends as well. It is absolutely perfect in every way. Every recipe I have made from your site has been spot on. As I have said before, ” this gal gets me!”
Jen says
Thank you for your awesome comment Ann! It sounds like we must be foodie “kindred spirits” 🙂 I am thrilled you love this salad so much and are enjoying my recipes! Thank you!
Charity says
I LOVE your recipes, but I recently started Keto so I have to be careful about the fat to carb ratios. Is there any way you may be able to start putting nutrition facts with your recipes? If not it’s okay, I just thought I would ask. Thank you!!
Jen says
Hi Charity, I’m so happy you are enjoying my recipes! You can calculate nutrition info at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
michelle d newman says
where is the recipe for the marinade its self? i see the video of what goes in the marinade but i dont see how much of each item.
Jen says
If you are looking at the recipe, the first ingredient under salad is “1 Recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken” – click on that link and it will take you right to it. Enjoy!
Judy says
This is one of the tastiest salads I have had in a long time. I love salads and could eat them all day. My husband and son loved it as well.
Jen says
Thanks so much Judy, I’m so happy to hear that! I love salads that are a meal!
Alicia says
This salad was just what I was looking for today…… it turned out absolutely amazing and I will be making this all the time. Thanks so much for brining a nice summer day during these cold winter months !:)
Jen says
You are so welcome Alice! I’m thrilled its a new repeat favorite! Thanks for taking the time to comment make my day!
Alicia says
Your most welcome!!!i knew the dressing would be delicious so I doubled it…. im trying not to drink it! Lol im quite excited to try your other recipes, we definitely have the same taste buds and that’s awesome.. be well happy cooking and inspiring! Thanks again!!
Jen says
LOL! That darn self control again 🙂 That is awesome we share the same tastes – I know how fun that can be! I hope you find many new favorites here!
Jenel says
Loved the salad! Great recipe. Only thing I would love to see is you include the calories for each recipe. It’s a lot of work inputting into cal counting apps. For those of you who are curious, it varies on how much ingredients you put on your plate but without the cheese and corn and included one whole avocado ..a large plate came out to about 760 (full meal plate).
Jen says
Thanks Jenel, I’m so happy you loved the salad!
Sharon says
I have fallen in love with your cilantro lime chicken salad!! I can’t get enough of this salad. I’m taking it to a friend tomorrow while we visit and watch tv and eat salad. I’m adding bacon to mine, the only thing different. The dressing…..omg! Give me a straw and I’ll drink it!! Holy smokes the best I’ve ever had! It makes this salad! Thank you for the best salad ever put on the face of this earth! And I’ve just noticed the tacos and other salads! Oh my! Gotta try every one of them! Thank you!
Jen says
Thank you so much for your awesome comment Sharon! I love the idea of bringing this to a friend and enjoying it together – with your addition of bacon – YUM! I hope you love my other salad and taco recipes just as much!
Anna De Anda says
I am IN LOVE! I make this weekly and for sure at least 10 times haha! Thank you so so much!
This dressing is also a huge hit in the household. I double it to have extra.. just wondering..
How long is the dressing good for in the fridge? I use all organic ingredients and not sure if that plays a toll as well!
Thanks in advance
Jen says
That is awesome you’ve made this Chicken Taco Salad so many times! As far as the dressing, I would guesstimate about 5 days because it has fresh cilantro. Of course, use your best judgment and if it smells funny before then then toss it. Thanks for taking the time to comment Anna and make my day!
Heloise says
This looks amazing! i love a good taco salad. especially with avocados and cornchips too ..yummm thanks for sharing great recipe!
Jen says
You are so welcome!
Jose Gonzalez says
Hello Jen, I’m interested in making but don’t know how much to put of each ingredient into the mixer. Please email me at [email protected] would love to make it thank you.
Jen says
Hi Jose, all of the ingredient measurements are included in the instructions. Enjoy!
Rosie Maggio says
Hi Jen I can’t find amounts for Catalina merinade either. Have read directions watched video … maybe I’m missing them but have went over it many times not sure where to go from here. Thank you for your time BEST RECIPES
Jen says
Hi Rosie, you have to click “Cilantro Lime Chicken” in green and it takes you to the recipe.
Stephanie Parrish says
Love your recipes. They are delicious and easy. Working my way through all your recipes. Thanks for yummy recipes that please the family and are packed with nutritious ingredients.
Jen says
Thank you for your kind comment Stephanie! I’m so pleased you are loving my recipes. That is awesome you are making your way through them – I hope you find many new favorites!
Collin says
Where’s the cilantro lime marinade directions at?
Jen says
Click where it says, “1 Recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken” in green and it will take you to the recipe.
Amy Wolf says
Came across this recipe a week ago. Finally made it this week. This is the most delicious taco salad! And that dressing!! So good!
Jen says
Awesome Amy, I’m so pleased it exceeded your expectations! Thank you!
Sally Collins says
I wonder about consuming marinade that was used to marinade raw chicken?
Jen says
Hi Sandy, you’re not consuming any raw chicken marinade – you are reserving some for the chicken and some for the dressing.
Terry says
You don’t use the marinade used for the raw chicken. As the recipe stated, you make the marinade and set aside 2 tablespoons of the marinade. One tablespoon is used to made the dressing, the other tablespoon is used to put on the cooked chicken. The remainder of the marinade is what is used to marinade the chicken. I suggest you go back and read the recipe again.
Sara Newman says
Why can’t I find the measurements for the Baja Dressing? The video shows ingredients but not amounts.
Jen says
The recipe at the bottom of the post has detailed instructions and ingredient amounts.
MICHAEL PATTERSON says
Did I miss a recipe for the marinade?
Jen says
The link is the first ingredient under salad. Enjoy!
Tammy Bain says
I still cannot find the recipe for the marinade even after reading your instructions. I have found recipe for creamy Baja Catalina dressing??? And how many does it feed
Jen says
Hi Tammy, you have to click “cilantro lime chicken” and it will take you to the recipe, enjoy!
Lenya says
I have made so many of your chicken recipes. They are all amazing and are always packed with multi level flavours which I love. The family loves them too. We’ll be trying this chicken taco salad tonight. I might have snuck a taste of the marinade and salad dressing already :). So good.
Jen says
I love hearing you have tried so many of my chicken recipes and they have all been winners, thanks Lenya! I hope you and your family loves this Chicken Taco Salad as much as us!
Lenya says
It was delicious. A hit for the whole family. Looking to try more of your salad recipes. My daughter and I were scrolling through your desserts and couldn’t choose just one. We had even just filled ourselves on the amazing salad and still felt we had space for several of the sweet treats. Thanks again.
Jen says
Thanks Lenya, I’m so happy it was s winner with the whole family! and dessert – mmmmmm- that is always a dangerously fun page to scroll! I can’t wait to hear what you try first!
Lenya says
The honey buffalo meatballs and slow cooker cranberry meatballs are also fantastic. My daughter loves putting them in a crispy bun with crunchy coleslaw and some type of dressing. Makes dinner night a lot easier! Thanks again.
Jen says
Thank you so much Lenya, you have great taste, I love those recipes too! I’m so happy your family is enjoying them!
Penny says
Made this for dinner tonight. Was Terrific! Any chance you know the nutritional values? Mostly of the dressing. Calories, fat, carbs mostly. Thanks in advance.
Jen says
Thanks so much Penny! You can calculate it at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Ellie says
I am concerned about the directions for the Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad. Marinade for chicken is never to be used AFTER the chicken is cooked. It is always to be discarded. Was this a mistake?
Jen says
Hi Ellie, you don’t use the marinade that the chicken has been in – in step 1 it says, “Prepare Cilantro Lime Chicken according to directions, reserving 1 tablespoon marinade for dressing.” That is the 1 tablespoon you use in the dressing.
Ellie says
Thanks, so much. I’m looking forward to making it for my family…sounds wonderful!
Jen says
You’re so welcome!
Sheree says
Cilantro lime chicken was great! I didnt have all ingredients on hand for dressing, so I made cilantro lime dressing, turned out great!
Jen says
Thanks so much Sheree! The taco salad sounds delicious with cilantro lime dressing too!
Kim says
♡♡ Delishious! I make homemade Catalina dressing all the time but never with this marinade added, but I will from now on, Its fantastic! I grilled the chicken and that little bit of char with the marinade is the perfect combination! This is a great recipe packed full of flavor!! We really enjoyed it, thanks a bunch for sharing A+
Jen says
You are so welcome Kim, I’m thrilled it was a “A+!” Thank you!
Brittany says
I looooove this salad recipe. Do you happen to have a recipe for just the salad dressing? I don’t always make the chicken. I tried to make a smaller batch of the marinade but since I’m not actually marinating any chicken and just making the salad dressing, I only needed the 1 TBS for the salad dressing. So good!
Jen says
Thanks Brittany, I’m thrilled you love this chicken taco salad so much! Unfortunately I don’t have a separate salad dressing recipe, sorry!
Kimberly says
Our entire family love this recipe! What is the caloric nutritional facts for this recipe?
Jen says
I’m so happy it was a winner! You can calculate info at: https://myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Helen says
I made this recipe without changing a thing. It mentions to start with less on the sugar and I did only use half as I thought it was perfect that way. This is such a delicious entree salad with room to add/sub other things. I think it would be great with toasted pumpkin seeds on top and I might sub grilled red peppers for the tomatoes for a different flavor. You could sub Cotija cheese for the cheddar. Overall, it needs no adjustment.
Jen says
Thanks so much for your awesome comment Helen – we must have the same taste buds!
Gina Adragna says
Please someone tell me the marinade ingredients and measurements i can’t seem to find it anywhere. Thank you
Jen says
Hi Gina, you need to click where it says, “1 Recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken” – the first ingredient listed.
Marla says
I have the chicken in marinating right now. Since I am doing Keto I made the dressing and did not add any sweetener at all. It doesn’t need it in my opinion. The flavor is delicious. I am looking forward to my chicken salad later this afternoon! P.S. No corn or beans for me.
Jen says
I hope you absolutely love it!
Arlene Elmgren says
Your Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad sounds great but the recipe doesn’t say what the marinate consists of.
Jen says
Hi Arlene, you have to click on “1 recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken” and it takes you to that recipe with full ingredients/instructions.
Denise says
How long can I store this dressing in fridge?
Jen says
Due to the fresh cilantro, I would say about three days. Enjoy!
Trina says
My husband and I love this recipe. We are starting to eat healthier, this salad hit the spot. I’m usually still hungry after eating a salad, I was quit full after eating this. KUDOS
Jen says
Thanks Trina! I’m so happy this salad hit the spot and left you satisfied! I think you’ll love my other chicken salad recipes as well!
Nissa says
Hi, Jen. Your recipes are some of my very favorites. There have been weeks where I pick all new recipes from this site and the entire family loves them. Thank you for that!! I’m looking at this recipe for dinner this week because it looks fabulous except for the cilantro (I’m one of those people that finds it to taste like soap). Usually I would just leave the cilantro out but I feel like it’s a big part of the recipe on this one. Is there another chicken marinade that you think would be good with the rest of this salad?
Jen says
Thank you for your kind words Nissa, I’m honored you’re enjoying my recipes! You can swap the Cilantro Lime Chicken for Chili Lime Chicken and it will be delicious! https://carlsbadcravings.com/purpose-chili-lime-chicken-rub-marinade-recipe/
Sara says
The boys in my family aren’t really salad people, but my daughter and I are. Today I made the chicken (we grilled outside) and my daughter and had the chicken in salad and then boys just ate chicken and corn on the cob. It was very good and we all enjoyed it. Next time we decided we would either leave the corn out or cook it first as we didn’t really care for the raw corn. The dressing was very yummy!
Jen says
Thanks Sara, I’m happy you were able to make this recipe work for your whole family!
Jeannie says
This was good! The only thing I did differently was using a was using a rotisserie chicken.
Jen says
Awesome, thanks Jeannie!
Sharon Frisbie says
This has got to be one of the best chicken recipes I’ve ever gotten. Have gotten rave reviews every time I’ve served it and recipe is always requested (with your name attached) Thank you so much.
Your story is so inspiring. Hope you make it as long as we have – 52+ years and counting.
Jen says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story Sharon! And congrats on 52 years! I’m honored this chicken taco salad is one of the best chicken recipes you’ve had!
Lee says
This recipe looks amazing! Do you have any suggestions for adapting it for my vegetarian teens?
Jen says
Hi Lee, you can use the marinade on any vegetarian option they’re into such as roasted chickpeas, roasted squash, tofu, etc.
Jaspreet Takhar says
Hi! Just wondering if there was a nutrition guide for this recipe??
Jen says
You can calculate nutritional info at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator enjoy!
Josey says
Ok this one needs to come with a serious warning. The chicken is amazing but that dressing is mind blowing. Extreme cravings now!!!
Jen says
Yesss! Thank you so much Josey! I love your comments!
Becky L Anthony says
Hi! I have been looking at this Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Baja Catalina dressing. I mist be missing something – Found the Baja dressing but cannot find the Cilantro Lime Marinade. Can you send it to me? Thank you.
Jen says
Hi Becky click on the first ingredient “1 Recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken” and it will take you to the recipe. Let me know if you can’t find it!
Diana White says
Hi, I’m trying to figure out what the serving size is on the dressing. I see that it shows that there is 6-8 servings but doesn’t show the serving size. Would it be 1 or 2 Tbsp? Or is the servings calculated in ounces or grams?
Jen says
Hi Diana, there is about one cup of dressing, so that would be 8 2 tablespoon servings. Enjoy!
Sydney says
I have come to really enjoy and look forward to your recipes. Thank you. I am impressed with your strength of character that you take on this work so joyfully after a difficult physical journey. I admire you!
Jen says
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment and make my day Sydney! I love what I do and grateful to be able to share it with people like you!
Pam says
Hi Jen, I saw this salad recipe on FB months ago and was so eager to give it a try. Well, I made it this past weekend and it was delicious!! Used fresh Mississippi sweet corn which was awesome. The dressing is superb. I got away with using only one Tbsp of sugar in the dressing. Definitely a do over
Jen says
Thanks so much Pam, I’m so pleased it didn’t disappoint and will be a repeat! Mississippi corn sounds like a real treat!
I'manee says
This was so very yummy! I marinated the chicken for 10 hours and added a little liquid smoke to the marinade since we have an indoor grill.
Absolutely delicious! So good that I didn’t realize I forgot to add the avocado lol. I had some left over for lunch the next day and added the avocado and it of course elevated it even more!
Thanks for yet another fantastic recipe!
Jen says
Thanks so much for the glowing review I’manee, I’m so pleased this salad was a hit! I love your idea of adding liquid smoke to the marinade!
Mary Ann says
This was amazing! Will definitely make this recipe again. My husband really enjoyed this for dinner. Well worth the effort and time.
Thank you
Jen says
I love hearing that, thanks so much Mary Ann!
Rachel says
So good!! The dressing was awesome with honey!
Jen says
Thanks so much!
Angie Buck says
We ate this for dinner two nights in a row! I have shared your recipe with my coworkers and they are so excited to try it! We all work in a locally owned produce market and fresh ingredients are right at our fingertips daily! We are super curious to keep trying your recipes, so keep us posted!!
Jen says
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Angie, I’m so pleased this recipe is a new favorite! You can check out more salad recipes here: https://carlsbadcravings.com/category/salads/ Thank you for sharing my recipe!
Freak says
“Follow the instructions to make the chicken” but then makes you jump through hoops to find the receipe. What a waste of time.
Jen says
Just use the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page to skip directly to the free recipe.
Holly Jones says
I made this last night for dinner and as my husband likes to say, It’s a keeper! Already planning on making this for our dinner night at our annual beach week this summer. I have the perfect wooden bowl to make a big batch 🙂
Jen says
Thanks Holly, I’m so pleased it was a winner!
Sharon says
The cilantro lime chicken salad is the best salad ever. I’ve made it numerous times and for me the dressing makes this salad. Can’t get any better then this.
Jen says
Thanks, Sharon! I am so glad it’s a repeat favorite! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Sharon says
I have made this cilantro lime chicken salad numerous times. It’s the best salad I’ve ever had. The dressing is the key for this salad. It’s the best and makes this salad famous. I add extra cilantro and I love crunch so crispy strips are a must. Perfect for a dinner during summer. I can eat a huge bowl of this salad. So good.
Jen says
Yay!! Thank you so much, Sharon, I am so pleased you love this salad! I am happy to hear it is a repeat recipe! Thanks for the glowing review!
Paula says
I own a restaurant and consider myself a pretty good cook. Was looking for salad ideas, due to gaining a few extra lbs this winter. This salad is absolutely fantastic, and the dressing is phenomenal! The only change I made was to grill the corn-on-the-cob along with the chicken. Five plus stars! Will definitely make this again!
Jen says
Thank you so much, Paula, how fun that you own a restaurant! I am thrilled you enjoyed this salad and that the dressing did not disappoint! Great idea to grill the corn-on-the-cob along with the chicken! Thanks for your glowing review!
Samantha Scrowther says
This looks amazing! How long should I marinade the chicken (sorry if I missed it!)?
Jen says
Marinate in the refrigerator 2-10 hours. Enjoy!
Britt Sharp says
I love this salad so much. Would you happen to know how long the dressing would last in the fridge? Also I don’t always want to make the chicken, would you have a recipe for just the salad dressing?
Jen says
Thank you! The dressing can be refrigerated up to 7 days. I don’t have a recipe for this dressing without the chicken, as it includes the marinade, but I have another cilantro lime dressing you could try out! https://carlsbadcravings.com/cilantro-lime-dressing/#wprm-recipe-container-35790 Hope this helps!
Carolyn Dressler says
Hi,
I tried 2-3 times to get the marinade recipe. The link above takes me to an Amazon page
I thought you would want to fix that
Thanks, Carolyn
Jen says
I’m sorry Carolyn, but it is working on my end. Here is the link: https://carlsbadcravings.com/cilantro-lime-chicken/
Make sure you are clicking right below “salad” in the ingredients list
SALAD
1 Recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered (or 2 roma tomatoes, chopped)…
Debi says
This was wonderful! I doubled everything and used chicken thighs grilled on the stove. Love the creamy dressing, will definitely make this again. Thank you for posting this.
Jen says
I’m so happy to hear that it will be a repeat for you!
Kelly Pryor says
This is one of my family’s favorite summertime meals!!! Great for entertaining as well!! Everyone raves about the chicken and the dressing!!! You have to try this one!!
Jen says
Thank you!! I’m so happy to hear that it’s a favorite!
Jessica Finch says
I don’t know if I’ve ever gone back to a recipe to leave comments but I had to for this one. What an incredible flavor profile! I’ve already shared with about 10 people. I made the chicken and dressing exactly as written. (Used about 1tbsp sugar in dressing). So delicious. I may have monitored my husband making his plate because I was already dreaming about having this for lunch too!
Jen says
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! I’m so glad that it was such a hit, and I hope there was enough for your lunch!!
Sarah l Schmidt says
This is by far the best salad recipe I have ever made. It comes out good every time. I use the Santa fe tortilla strips and that really makes it amazing. I have made it for my relatives and now I am making it as a special treat for my mom out of the hospital. She loves it!
Jen says
I’m thrilled that this one has been a go-to salad for you! I hope you and your mom are well!
Sarah says
Delicious! Even the kids had seconds!
Jen says
I love hearing this! So glad everyone enjoyed!