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Chipotle Lime Chicken Chopped Salad

Name: Chipotle Lime Chicken Chopped Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, diced; ¼ cup red onion, chopped; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp mayonnaise, optional; 2 tsp chipotle in adobo, minced; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp honey

A hearty chopped salad with spiced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes and avocado, tossed in a creamy, smoky chipotle-lime dressing.

By Denise Updated October 17, 2026

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Smoky spiced chicken, beans, corn and avocado in a creamy chipotle-lime dressing. A salad that eats like a meal.

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total35 min

Serves4

LevelEasy

What makes it special

Smoked paprika
Romaine lettuce
Cilantro
Greek yogurt

This is the salad I make when I want something fresh that will actually keep me full. Everything is chopped small, so every forkful has a bit of chicken, crunchy lettuce, sweet corn, creamy avocado and that smoky dressing.

Why chopped salads are the best

Cutting everything into small, even pieces means the flavors mix in every bite instead of you eating a forkful of plain lettuce. It also makes the salad easier to eat and to pack for lunch.

The dressing

Greek yogurt, chipotle in adobo, lime juice, garlic and a pinch of salt. It's creamy, smoky and bright, and also great as a dip.

Tips

Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing so it stays juicy.
Dry the lettuce well so the dressing clings.
Add avocado last so it doesn't brown.

Variations

Spicier: extra chipotle or a pinch of cayenne.
Different protein: shrimp, steak or tofu.
Dairy-free: a plant-based yogurt in the dressing.
Heartier: add quinoa or rice.
Wraps: stuff it into tortillas.

Meal prep

The dressing keeps for 5 days, the other parts for 3 to 4. Pack them separately and toss at lunchtime.

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Questions, answered

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it's a great shortcut. Toss it with a little lime and chili powder.

How spicy is the dressing?

Mildly smoky. Add more chipotle for heat or less for kids.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Keep everything separate and add the dressing and avocado at the last minute.

Recipe by

Denise