Welcome to your ultimate guide for making the best Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad! This delightful recipe combines the rich, bold flavors of chicken fajitas with the crispness of a classic wedge salad. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch option or a unique dinner side, this dish has it all. With its bright vegetables and protein-packed chicken, it’s no wonder that this salad has become a favorite at picnics and potlucks alike. Moreover, it is simple to prepare at home, making it perfect for any cooking skill level.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
- Best way to make Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad at home: Simple, quick steps with minimal cleanup.
- Easy Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad for beginners: Not an expert in the kitchen? No problem—the recipe is foolproof.
- Only 30 minutes to make: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious and fast.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead of time for a quick and nutritious meal throughout the week.
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Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce – Crisp and refreshing base for your salads.
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced – For the protein punch.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced – Adds color and sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced – Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
- 1 yellow onion, sliced – For that aromatic spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps in grilling the vegetables to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – Essential spice for that fajita flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – Adds an earthy depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Season as per your liking.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Gives a juicy burst of flavor.
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) – Melts to a creamy texture.
- ½ cup ranch dressing – Complements the spicy, savory flavor with its cool creaminess.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish – Adds a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish.
Dietary Swaps
- For a gluten-free option: Ensure your spices are gluten-free-certified.
- Dairy-free swap: Use a dairy-free cheese and dressing.
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How to Make Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad – Step by Step
Preparing the Vegetables and Chicken
Step 1: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
Step 2: In a bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.Grilling
Step 3: Place the seasoned vegetables on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
Step 4: In the meantime, grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.Assembling the Salad
Step 5: Cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges and arrange them on a large serving platter.
Step 6: Layer the grilled chicken slices, grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese on top of the lettuce wedges.
Step 7: Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy your Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad!Cooking Tips
- For extra crispy texture, bake the chicken for 5 more minutes after grilling.
- Ensure the lettuce is cold and crispy by refrigerating it before use.
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Best Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad Recipe – Easy and Flavorful
Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
- Can I make Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the grilled chicken and vegetables a day before. However, assemble the salad right before serving to maintain its freshness and crispness.
- What is the secret to the best Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad? Always use fresh, crisp lettuce and properly season your vegetables and chicken. The balance between the smoky grilled flavor and the refreshing vegetables makes all the difference.
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Best Ways to Serve Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
- The best way to serve Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad is with a side of crusty bread or grilled tortillas for added texture.
- Pair with our Classic Margarita Recipe for a refreshing beverage that complements the spicy and creamy flavors of the salad.
- Serve with a side of Fresh Guacamole for a full Tex-Mex experience.
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Nutritional Information for Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
This dish is rich in protein and low in carbs, perfect for a low-carb meal option.
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Storage & Leftovers
- How long does Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad last in the fridge? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating methods: It is recommended to serve this salad cold or at room temperature, as heating may cause the lettuce to wilt.
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4 FAQs for Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
1. Can I freeze Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the lettuce will lose its crispness upon thawing.
2. What can I use instead of ranch dressing in Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad?
You can use a vinaigrette or a creamy cilantro dressing as a substitute for ranch.
3. Is Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad spicy?
The level of spice can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder used.
4. How do I keep the lettuce fresh in Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad?
Store it in a paper towel-lined container to absorb any moisture and keep it crisp.
—Related Recipes for Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned vegetables on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
- In the meantime, grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cut the iceberg lettuce into wedges and arrange them on a large serving platter.
- Layer the grilled chicken slices, grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese on top of the lettuce wedges.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Chicken Fajita Wedge Salad!
Notes
- You can swap out the ranch dressing for your favorite dressing if desired.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the ingredients can be prepared in advance.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad wedge
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Chicken Fajita, Wedge Salad, Grilled Chicken, Healthy Eating