Honey Lime Chicken Taco Salad (Printable Version)

Vibrant salad with grilled honey-lime chicken, fresh vegetables, black beans, and creamy avocado over crisp romaine.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Honey Lime Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 tablespoons honey
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
07 - 1 garlic clove, minced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Salad

10 - 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup cooked corn kernels
13 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
15 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
16 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
17 - 1/2 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

→ For the Honey Lime Dressing

19 - 2 tablespoons honey
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
21 - 1/4 cup olive oil
22 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
23 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
24 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
04 - Combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, avocado, and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
05 - Combine honey, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small jar or bowl. Shake or whisk vigorously until fully emulsified.
06 - Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
07 - Top salad with grilled chicken slices, tortilla strips if desired, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately while chicken is still warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The honey lime marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with minimal hands-on time
  • Everything can be prepped ahead so actual cooking comes together in under twenty minutes
  • Its that perfect balance of sweet tangy fresh and satisfying that makes everyone go back for seconds
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest after grilling is non-negotiable—slice it too soon and all those juices end up on the cutting board instead of in your salad
  • The honey in the marinade will char faster than you expect so watch closely and move the chicken to a cooler spot if it gets too dark too fast
  • This salad is best assembled right before serving but the chicken and dressing can both be made a day ahead
03 -
  • Room temperature chicken marinates more evenly so take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you start
  • If you're short on time skip the chicken marinating step and just toss it with the spices before grilling—it won't be quite as flavorful but still delicious
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