If you’re craving a dish that balances smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors perfectly, you’re going to adore the Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing. This recipe offers the perfect harmony between tender grilled chicken, crisp greens, and a zesty chipotle mayo that brings just the right amount of heat and creaminess. Whether you’re after a healthy lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing meal prep idea, this salad hits every note for flavor, texture, and nutritional balance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor Combination: The smoky grilled chicken paired with spicy chipotle mayo creates a mouthwatering, dynamic taste.
Simple Yet Satisfying: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward prep, this salad comes together quickly without compromising flavor.
Nutritious and Balanced: Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats make this salad a well-rounded and energizing meal.
Customizable and Versatile: Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, you can tweak the dressing and toppings to suit your palate.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes just as good the next day for busy weekdays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing serves an important role, from adding smokiness to crunch to creaminess. They’re simple, fresh, and provide a variety of textures and flavors that make this salad truly shine.

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy grilling and lean protein.
Mixed Salad Greens: A vibrant mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula brings freshness and crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a juicy burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp but balanced bite.
Avocado: Adds creamy texture and healthy fats to the dish.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Provides smoky heat that flavors the mayo dressing perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the chipotle mayo dressing.
Lime Juice: Brightens and balances the dressing with fresh acidity.
Olive Oil: Used for marinating the chicken and adding richness to the dressing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and salad components.

Variations for Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing

Feel free to personalize the Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing to fit your taste buds or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to swap ingredients or level up with additions.

Swap the Protein: Use grilled shrimp, tofu, or turkey instead of chicken for variety.
Make it Vegan: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms and mayo with vegan mayo.
Extra Crunch: Add toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy tortilla strips for texture.
Milder Dressing: Use less chipotle or add a splash of honey to tone down the heat.
Fresh Herbs: Add chopped cilantro or parsley for an herbal twist.

Why Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing Wins

How to Make Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of lime juice to infuse flavor and keep the meat juicy when grilled.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Step 3: Make the Chipotle Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, adjusting the heat by adding more or less chipotle.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Generously drizzle the chipotle mayo dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing

Perfect Grill Marks: Make sure your grill is hot and clean to get those beautiful sear lines on the chicken.
Rest the Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it tender and juicy.
Adjust Dressing Thickness: Add a splash of water or lime juice if your chipotle mayo feels too thick for drizzling.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: Wash and chop salad veggies the night before to cut down on meal prep time.
Fresh Avocado Last: Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning and keep it vibrant.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing

Garnishes

Enhance your salad with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of queso fresco or feta, or even some finely sliced radishes for added crunch and color.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread, sweet potato fries, or a light corn tortilla to balance the smoky, creamy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in individual mason jars for a stunning presentation or as a bed for grilled chicken tacos, using the salad and chipotle mayo as the filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the grilled chicken and salad components separate in airtight containers and combine just before serving to avoid soggy greens.

Freezing

The grilled chicken can be frozen separately for up to 3 months, but the fresh salad and chipotle mayo dressing should be made fresh for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm the grilled chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then reassemble with fresh ingredients and drizzle with dressing before eating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful option and taste fantastic when grilled for this salad.

How spicy is the chipotle mayo dressing?

The chipotle mayo has a smoky heat that can be adjusted by the amount of chipotle peppers used, so you can make it milder or spicier to suit your preference.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, just keep the dressing and salad greens separate until ready to eat for the freshest result throughout the week.

Can I make the dressing without mayonnaise?

You can substitute Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter or dairy-free dressing option.

What are good additions to make this salad more filling?

Add cooked quinoa, black beans, or roasted corn to boost fiber and keep you full longer.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that never gets old. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to master and endlessly satisfying. So fire up that grill, whip up the smoky chipotle mayo, and treat yourself to this fresh and flavorful salad that’s sure to become your new favorite.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Chipotle Mayo Dressing

Print Recipe

A vibrant Grilled Chicken Salad with a smoky and creamy chipotle mayo dressing that perfectly balances bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and lean protein. Ideal for a healthy lunch, satisfying dinner, or make-ahead meal prep, this recipe combines tender grilled chicken, mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a zesty, customizable chipotle mayo dressing.

Author: Barbara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, diced

For the Chipotle Mayo Dressing

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For Marinating the Chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and lime juice for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor and keep the meat juicy when grilled.
Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and tenderness.
Make the Chipotle Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the amount of chipotle to suit your heat preference.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed salad greens with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado. Place the sliced grilled chicken on top.
Drizzle and Serve: Generously drizzle the chipotle mayo dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure your grill is hot and clean to achieve perfect grill marks on the chicken.
Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
If the chipotle mayo is too thick, add a splash of water or lime juice to thin it for easier drizzling.
Wash and prep salad vegetables in advance to reduce meal prep time.
Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain vibrant color.
For variations, try different proteins, add crunchy toppings, or adjust the dressing’s spiciness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salad
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, chipotle mayo dressing, healthy salad, meal prep, smoky chicken salad, creamy dressing, easy summer salad