Peruvian Grilled Chicken Salad

Introduction

This flavorful Peruvian grilled chicken salad combines juicy marinated chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and tangy lime vinaigrette for a fresh take on traditional chicken salad recipes. Infusing grilled chicken with the classic Peruvian marinade of garlic, ají pepper, and cumin adds incredible depth of flavor. Piled on a bed of mixed greens and topped with roasted corn, red onion, avocado, and feta or queso fresco cheese, this salad explodes with delicious textures and bright, vibrant tastes. Read on for the full recipe and tips for making this fusion chicken salad.

Benefits of Chicken Salad

Chicken salad offers many important nutrients:

• High in lean protein for muscle growth
• Provides cholesterol-lowering unsaturated fats
• Rich in iron, zinc, niacin, vitamins A and B6
• Antioxidants from fresh veggies and lime juice
• Fiber from greens aids digestion

Benefits of Grilled Chicken

Grilling imparts these bonuses:

• Lower in fat and calories than fried chicken
• Charring adds antioxidants
• Grilling enhances natural smoky flavor
• Marinating tenderizes and adds flavor
• Retains moisture compared to baking

Ingredients

Take your chicken salad to the next level with:

• Grilled Peruvian marinated chicken
• Mixed salad greens
• Roasted corn
• Red onion
• Avocado
• Cherry tomatoes
• Feta or queso fresco cheese

For the Vinaigrette

• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper

Recipe Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Combine garlic, ají, cumin, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, S&P. Add chicken and marinate 1-2 hours.

Grill the Chicken

Grill marinated chicken over medium high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.

Make the Vinaigrette

Whisk lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and S&P in small bowl.

Assemble Salad

Toss greens, corn, onion, tomatoes in large bowl. Add vinaigrette and toss again. Top with grilled chicken, avocado, cheese.

Finish and Serve

Squeeze over lime juice if desired. Can also add cilantro, jalapeño, or roasted peppers.

Grilled Corn

Charring the sweet corn adds a wonderfully smoky, grilled flavor. Simply brush with oil and grill over medium heat until lightly charred on all sides.

Substitutions and Variations

Customize this salad to your tastes:

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover protein
• Swap kale, spinach, arugula for mixed greens
• Use red or yellow peppers instead of corn
• Top with toasted nuts or seeds
• Mix in roasted veggies like zucchini or squash

Dressing Ideas

• Citrus vinaigrette
• Cilantro-lime dressing
• Honey-mustard vinaigrette
• Creamy cumin or chipotle ranch

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be enjoyed:

• As a light lunch or dinner
• As an appetizer or side dish
• Stuffed in a pita or wrap
• Served over rice for a grain bowl
• Topped with shrimp or flank steak

Storage and Leftovers

Store salad components separately up to 4 days. Toss with dressing just before eating for best texture.

Storage Tips

• Keep proteins, produce, and dressing separate
• Seal tightly in individual containers
• Avoid soaking greens in dressing until ready to eat

Common Questions

What's in a Peruvian grilled chicken marinade?

Common ingredients are garlic, ají pepper, cumin, lime juice, oil, cilantro, and salt.

Can I use roasted chicken instead?

Absolutely, leftover chicken works great in this salad.

How long does the salad last?

The shelf life is 3-4 days refrigerated when components are stored properly.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, grill chicken and prep produce ahead of time then assemble when ready to serve.

What dressing goes well on this salad?

A citrus vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully. Cumin ranch is also delicious.

Conclusion

This vibrant Peruvian grilled chicken salad offers an exciting twist on classic chicken salad recipes. Zesty marinated grilled chicken paired with corn, onion, creamy avocado and tangy lime vinaigrette explodes with tempting flavors and textures. Customize with your favorite marinade and mix-ins for a hearty protein-packed salad ideal for easy lunches or dinners. Adiós, boring chicken salads!