Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe with Avocado & Lime

Grilled chicken fajita salad topped with a quick corn and black bean salsa, shredded cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and your favorite ranch dressing. A satisfying, protein-packed option for lunch or dinner.

Fajitas are a regular in our dinner rotation. I often grill extra chicken breasts so I can turn leftovers into this Chicken Fajita Salad the next day. It’s quick to assemble, full of flavor, and makes a healthy, filling meal whether you serve it for lunch or dinner.

This recipe is ideal for using leftover grilled chicken or for meal-prepping. For a speedy option I make a simple black bean and corn salsa that adds color, texture, and fiber. If you prefer, you can swap in a more elaborate southwest-style corn and black bean salsa when you have extra time.

This salad combines creamy avocado, bright black bean and corn salsa, fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a little shredded cheese. Finish with your favorite ranch or jalapeño ranch dressing for a nice tangy contrast to the smoky grilled chicken.

Ingredients

• Spring mix or romaine – a mix of lettuces adds texture and color.
• Tomato – cherry tomatoes halved or diced Roma tomatoes both work well.
• Cucumber – thinly sliced, then quarter the slices if desired.
• Avocado – fresh Hass avocado, sliced, or use a spoonful of guacamole.
• Grilled chicken – leftover grilled or sliced fajita-style chicken. A simple fajita marinade works great.
• Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Quick black bean and corn salsa – canned black beans and corn, seasoned for a fast topping.
• Salad dressing – jalapeño ranch, buttermilk ranch, a cilantro-avocado dressing, or a lime vinaigrette are all tasty choices.

How to Make

1. Make the quick black bean and corn salsa: combine drained black beans and corn with a little cumin and chunky salsa or tomato pico for flavor.
2. Chop and wash all vegetables: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and slice the avocado.
3. Layer the salad: start with the lettuce, add tomato, cucumber, avocado, shredded cheese, spoon on the black bean salsa, and top with grilled chicken.
4. Serve with your favorite ranch or vinaigrette and enjoy immediately.

Variations

• Swap grilled steak or shrimp for the chicken.
• Add crunchy pepitas, tortilla strips, or toasted pepitas for texture.
• Top with fresh pico de gallo in place of the black bean salsa for a brighter flavor.
• If you have more time, make a Southwest-style corn and black bean salsa with peppers, cilantro, and lime.

Storage and Serving

• Best assembled just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the avocado fresh.
• Prepare family style in a large salad bowl or portion individually on plates.
• Chicken can be served warm or cold depending on preference; warm chicken adds a comforting contrast to the cold greens.

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Quick Black Bean Salsa

• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can corn, drained
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chunky salsa or pico-style salsa

Salad

• 6 cups romaine or mixed greens, chopped
• 1 cup tomato, chopped
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 cups grilled chicken, chopped

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, corn, cumin, and chunky salsa. Stir to combine and set aside to let flavors meld.
2. Fill a large bowl with the lettuce. Top with chopped tomato, cucumber, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, the black bean mixture, and grilled chicken. Toss gently or leave layered and serve with ranch or your preferred dressing.

Notes

FAQ

What is the best salad dressing for a fajita salad?

Jalapeño ranch or homemade buttermilk ranch pair especially well with the smoky chicken and creamy avocado. For a lighter choice, try a creamy cilantro-avocado dressing, a lime vinaigrette, or fresh salsa as the topping.

Do I have to use fajita chicken?

No. Any simply seasoned grilled chicken works beautifully. Leftover grilled steak or shrimp are also great alternatives and make the salad just as satisfying.

Is Chicken Fajita Salad healthy?

Yes. This salad is high in protein from the grilled chicken and provides fiber and nutrients from black beans, corn, avocado, and fresh vegetables. To cut calories, omit the cheese and use a vinaigrette or salsa instead of a creamy dressing.

Thanks for stopping by — I hope you enjoy this easy, flavorful salad. Y’all come back soon!

Alaine

More recipes you may enjoy:

• Southwest Grilled Chicken with Green Chiles
• Mexican Grilled Street Corn Salad
• Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade

Chicken Fajita Salad was originally published on My TX Kitchen in July 2014 and updated with new photos and text in March 2023.