mesquite chicken salad with tomato and avocado

Renton, WA
Updated on Jun 8, 2023

This is a salad I make often in the summertime when the weather is too hot to cook. It's delicious and can be adjusted to include whatever else I have on hand. I'll sometimes add a bit of leftover corn or fresh sliced mushrooms, but it's quite good as written. If you can't find smoked salt in your area, you can make your own. Mix 1/2 cup sea salt with 1 tsp liquid smoke (don't use regular table salt). Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet, and place in 200°F oven for at least 1 hour or until dried. Let it cool completely. Break up lumps, then store in air-tight jar.

prep time 20 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Grill
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • MESQUITE CHICKEN (CAN BE DONE UP TO 2 DAYS IN ADVANCE):
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon smoked salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 medium lime - juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • SALAD:
  • 1 (8-oz) bag mixed salad greens
  • 2 cups - chopped tomato
  • 2 ripe avocados, cubed
  • 1 medium cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 medium red onion, halved and then each half sliced into thin half-rings
  • 1 cup black beans (if using canned, rinse and drain well)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 medium lime, halved
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoons salt
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons black pepper

How To Make mesquite chicken salad with tomato and avocado

  • Step 1
    MESQUITE CHICKEN (can be grilled up to 2 days in advance): Mix together the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, brown sugar, rosemary, oregano, bay leaf and smoked salt in a bowl. Stir in the olive oil. Add the garlic, lime juice, lime zest and honey, and stir until well blended.
  • Step 2
    Coat chicken with the spice rub, and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Step 3
    While chicken is resting, preheat outdoor grill to hot.
  • Step 4
    Remove the chicken from the marinade, scraping off any excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly. Set chicken aside to cool completely. (If not preparing the rest of the salad within an hour, the grilled chicken should be wrapped in plastic and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.)
  • Step 5
    Dice the cooled chicken.
  • Step 6
    FOR THE SALAD: Place the salad greens, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, onion, black beans, mozzarella, cilantro, and diced chicken in a large salad bowl.
  • Step 7
    In a small bowl, squeeze the lime halves into the olive oil. Whisk in red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Pour it over the salad ingredients, and toss until well combined.
  • Step 8
    Divide the salad among 4 individual salad plates, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Discover More

Ingredient: Chicken
Method: Grill

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