Mojo Grilled Chicken Salad: Easy, Flavorful Recipe

Craving a salad that’s anything but boring?

Look no further! This Mojo Grilled Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to meal. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and impressive enough to serve to guests. Think juicy, citrus-marinated chicken nestled on a bed of fresh greens, all tossed with a tangy dressing. Ready to ditch those sad desk lunches and elevate your salad game?

Why You’ll Love It

• The chicken is incredibly flavorful thanks to a zesty mojo marinade that infuses every bite.
• It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling hungry.
• It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a speedy weekend lunch.
• The salad is highly customizable – add your favorite veggies or cheese!
• It’s a total crowd-pleaser, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner party.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What truly sets this Mojo Grilled Chicken Salad apart is the marinade. Instead of using a simple lemon or lime vinaigrette, the chicken is marinated in a homemade mojo sauce, which is a vibrant blend of citrus juices, garlic, and herbs. This pre-grilling marination process ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out, creating a taste explosion with every bite. The resulting juicy, charred chicken is what makes this salad so special. It takes a regular salad and transforms it into something truly extraordinary!

Ingredient List

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Your favorite salad dressing (or try a simple lime vinaigrette)

Fresh orange and lime juice: This is what gives the marinade that characteristic citrus kick and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade.
5. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing.
7. While the chicken rests, prepare the salad by combining the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
8. Add the grilled chicken to the salad.
9. Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to mix things up with these tasty additions:

• Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Black beans: Boosts the protein and fiber content.
• Queso fresco: Offers a salty, tangy counterpoint to the citrus flavors.
• Roasted corn: Provides a touch of sweetness and smoky flavor.
• Toasted nuts or seeds: Adds a satisfying crunch.

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-marinate the chicken, as the citrus juices can start to break down the protein, leading to a mushy texture.
• Make sure your grill is properly preheated to get those beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred flavor.
• Let the chicken rest after grilling – this allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Don’t dress the salad until just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great and may even be a bit more forgiving on the grill, thanks to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary, and be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Can I make this salad ahead of time? While the chicken can be grilled and stored separately, I recommend assembling the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and the dressing from becoming soggy.
• Can I use a different type of citrus juice? Yes, you can use a combination of lemon and lime juice if you don’t have oranges. The key is to have a good balance of acid and sweetness in the marinade.
• What dressing pairs well with this salad? A light vinaigrette is best to complement the citrus notes in the chicken. A lime vinaigrette is an excellent choice, but a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing will work great too. Avoid heavy, creamy dressings, as they will overpower the flavors.
• How long will the grilled chicken last in the fridge? Grilled chicken will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Variations and Customization Options

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to tweak it to your liking:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño to the marinade for an extra kick.
• Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add grilled halloumi or tofu.
• Make it a grain bowl: Add quinoa, couscous, or brown rice to make it a heartier meal.
• Add different cheeses: Feta, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar would be a delicious addition.
• Play with your greens: Spinach, romaine, or arugula would all work wonderfully in this salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Mojo Grilled Chicken Salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or dinner. You can also pair it with some crusty bread or a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a more complete meal. It’s also great served family-style on a large platter for gatherings or picnics. Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you serve it!

Conclusion

This Mojo Grilled Chicken Salad is not just another salad; it’s a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that will make you actually crave your greens! It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a special occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and get ready to experience salad nirvana. Be sure to share your photos when you try it – and if you enjoyed the recipe, please subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious ideas!

What sets this oven barbecue apart is the combination of a simple braising method with a flavorful, homemade barbecue sauce. We’re not relying on store-bought sauces or complicated smoking techniques. The long, slow bake in the oven ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with all the delicious flavors of the sauce. The result is a remarkably tender and succulent barbecue that tastes like it was slow-smoked for hours, without actually needing a smoker!

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