Kickin’ grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and lots of Mexican goodness collide in these super-loaded salad bowls.—A zippy chipotle vinaigrette drizzled on top makes all the flavors sing!
If there’s anything I know how to do well it would definitely be my salad-loading skills. Guys, that is one loaded personal-sized bowl of salad.
Many heads of lettuce were harmed in the making of this post. Can’t stop, won’t stop because salad season is officially upon us and I’m about ready to go live in this bowl. y’all.
So here’s the deal today, guys: You + these salad bowls = the best Cinco de Mayo you’ve ever had in your entire life. Here is your proof. ↓↓
And while we’re on that subject…seriously, how completely FUN is it that this month’s 30-Minute Thursday falls on Cinco de Mayo?? It’s easy Mexi-food destiny, y’all.
And it is most definitely your destiny to eat all of the tropical-y grilled chicken Mexican salad bowls.
Are you noticing the fact that I sneakily threw the word grilled into my overwhelming description of these bowls? Guys, it’s just time. I’ve secretly been grilling for about a month now, testing out oodles of recipes for the blog this summer and it’s absolutely high time you start seeing them.
Sidenote: the first time I grilled this spring it may have only been 33 degrees and I may have even been wearing my winter coat. Dedication, guys.
So let me give you the run-down on these salad bowls…
- Kickin’ cajun-rubbed chicken is grilled to smoky and slightly-spicy perfection.
- Chicken gets tossed in a bowl of GREEN.
- With oodles of fresh pineapple.
- And black beans and sweet peppers and tomatoes.
- And avocado. Because, YES!
- Smoky ‘n’ spicy homemade chipotle vinaigrette joins our wild Mexican party.
And let the party commence. That’s the polite way of saying move-outta-my-way-now-and-let-me-at-it.
Salad manners don’t exist here, guys. Or anywhere? Maybe just me on that one…
I’ll say it again just to reiterate the importance, friends: You + these salad bowls + today. MAKE.IT.HAPPEN!
Tropical Grilled Chicken Mexican Salad Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 6 cups romaine lettuce
- 2 cups fresh pineapple diced
- 1 avocado cored and diced
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 sweet pepper diced
- 1 large tomato cored and diced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
- DRESSING:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons diced chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high. Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Grill chicken over medium-high heat, turning once until chicken registers 165F degrees on a thermometer, about 10 minutes. Allow chicken to cool slightly, then cut into cubes.
- Divide lettuce, chicken, pineapple, and avocado between serving bowls. In a small bowl, combine black beans, pepper, tomato, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, then divide mixture between serving bowls.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, mustard, syrup, chipotle, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle dressing over bowls and serve salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Be sure you visit all the other blogger’s awesome 30-minute Thursday recipes!
30-Minute Inside Out Enchiladas with Black Beans & Sweet Potato from She Likes Food
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken from Pumpkin N’ Spice
Chicken Taco Pizza from My Kitchen Craze
Plantain and Black Bean Tacos with Chimichurri Sauce from Floating Kitchen
20 Minute Ground Beef Tacos from Bake.Eat.Repeat
Fish Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa from Flavor the Moments
Southwestern Kale Chickpea Salad from Sweet Peas & Saffron
Honey Lime Chicken Quesadillas from The Recipe Rebel
Mexican Quinoa and Sweet Potato Skillet from Kristine’s Kitchen
Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Mint Salsa from With Salt and Wit
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Oh how pretty are these bowls?! I’m in love with the tropical flavors, Sarah! I personally think that eating out of bowls is more fun and tastes even more delicious! 🙂 I love that chipotle vinaigrette, too!
Sarah says
Oh heck yes, eating out of bowls is the BEST! 🙂
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
These salad bowls are just scrumptious looking! Love the tropical and Mexican flavors here.
Sarah says
Thanks so much Jen!!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
Anywhere there is pineapple, I’m in. These salad bowls are GORGEOUS and way more fun than a regular taco salad!
Sarah says
Pineapple is the best for sure! 😉 Thanks Ashley!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
I like how dedicated you are to grilling (and to big salad bowls). I’ve definitely done my fair share of grilling in horrible weather. The food just tastes so gosh darn good, it’s hard to not do it!
Sarah says
Grilling is absolutely the best! Glad I’m not the only crazy grill lady. 😉
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
What better way to fuel up for a cinco de mayo party then with this fiesta in a bowl! SO MUCH FLAVOR!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Bethany!!
marcie says
I LOVE grilling and I love salads! Especially Mexican-themed ones! This is one amazing loaded salad and I would love it for my dinner tonight. Pinned, and Happy Cinco, Sarah!
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning, friend!!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I LOVE that Cinco de Mayo is on 30 Minute Thursday…I want to devour everyone’s easy Mexi-meals 😀 starting with this tropical salad, because YUM!! It looks so gorgeous Sarah, and that grilling in 33 degree weather is serious dedication, haha. Love it <3
Sarah says
Me too!! Thanks Rachel!!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
I wish I could be on the beach in Cancun and have this delicious yummy bowl for lunch and dinner!! I love all the fresh flavors and that dressing though…mmmmm.
Sarah says
I’m right there with ‘ya on that one, Cyndi!!
Denise @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
What do you mean salad season? LOL I eat them all. year. round. But I’m a crazy salad lady 😉 These bowls are screaming my name! Love all the tropical flavors going on in here!
Sarah says
Haha! You’re not alone on that one, Denise!! 😉
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
I love giant salad bowls, especially when it’s Mexican themed! This salad looks fantastic Sarah, love that vinaigrette!
Sarah says
Thank you Stacey!!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
This salad looks SO delicous, Sarah!! I love pairing fruit with Mexican spices… so yummy! And you can’t go wrong with a big, healthy salad bowl!
Sarah says
Thanks Jess! Nothing beats a loaded salad that’s for sure! 😉
Margaret Ann @ MAK and Her Cheese says
I love how vibrant and wholesome this salad is! Will definitely give it a try! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Margaret Ann! Let me know how you like this salad!!