Zesty Chicken Salad with Grains, Chili, and Lime
This vibrant chicken salad is everything you want in a light meal: zippy from fresh lime, nourishing from whole grains, and just a little fiery from chili.
It’s the kind of dish that comes together easily, especially if you have leftover grains or pre-cooked chicken. It feels both refreshing and satisfying.
Traditional grain salads can often be heavy or bland. This version adds brightness and depth with lime, chili, and a tangy onion marinade, while the romaine keeps it fresh and crunchy.
Using farro or other whole grains offers you complex carbs with fiber, making it slower to digest and more blood-sugar friendly than refined grains. Plus, it’s easy to adjust portion sizes or swap for lower-carb grains like quinoa.
This salad balances lean protein (chicken), fiber-rich whole grains, and fresh vegetables. The yogurt sauce adds creaminess without heavy fats, making the dish nutrient-dense and heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe
Zesty Chicken Salad with Grains, Chili, and Lime
Ingredients
- 200 g farro or other whole grain
- 400 g chicken breast
- 1 red onion
- 2 limes
- 15 g fresh cilantro
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- 200 g romaine or iceberg lettuce
- ½ fresh chili pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Boil farro or other whole grains in plenty of water (this may take 35–40 minutes depending on the type). Drain and allow to cool.
- Cook the chicken breast using your preferred method — boiling, grilling, or baking. Slice or shred once cooled.
- Dice the red onion and mix with the zest and juice of one lime, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit while preparing the other ingredients.
- In a serving bowl, combine the cooked grains, chopped cilantro, diced bell pepper, finely chopped chili, and marinated onion along with the marinade. Mix well. Add more olive oil and a fresh squeeze of lime juice to taste.
- Top the salad with halved cherry tomatoes and shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce.
- For extra flavor, mix neutral yogurt with finely minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the salad before serving.
