Look, I wasn’t expecting my picky feline to approve my dinner, but here we are—J the Cat will faceplant into this bowl if I turn my back. Meanwhile, I’m thrilled to have a gluten-free Mexican salad that doesn’t taste like a sacrifice. (Chicken Fajita Salad)
Why This Salad Hits Different
- Juicy chicken thighs: (because dry breast is a crime)
- Zero marinating: (Who has time? Not this cat servant)
- All the crunch: charred peppers, creamy avocado, crispy lettuce
- Ranch dressing loophole: (makes veggies suddenly irresistible)
How to make chicken fajita salad
What You Need
(Serves 2 humans or 1 very determined cat)
- The Chicken: 2 thighs or 1 breast (sliced thin if using breast)
- The Flavor: 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (homemade or stolen from a packet)
- The Veg: 1 bell pepper (red/yellow for sweetness), ½ onion
- The Fun: Avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime
- The Lifesaver: Bottled ranch (or whisk together mayo + lime juice in desperation)
How To Make It (Between Cat Interruptions)
- Season & Sear
- Pat chicken dry, rub with seasoning like you’re giving it a massage.
- Cook in screaming-hot skillet 3-4 mins per side (J will come running at the sizzle).
- Char the Veggies
- Same pan (less dishes!), toss in peppers and onion with a pinch of salt.
- Leave them alone to get those sexy blackened bits.
- Assemble Like a Taco Bar
- Pile greens in bowls (I use spinach to pretend it’s healthy).
- Top with sliced chicken, veggies, avocado chunks, and tomatoes.
- Drown in ranch (or drizzle artfully if you’re fancy).
How many calories are in a chicken fajita salad
Une salade fajita au poulet contient environ 228 à 640 calories par portion, selon la recette et les ingrédients utilisés.
La valeur moyenne est d’environ 400-500 calories pour une portion standard.
Les variations principales dépendent :
- De la quantité de poulet
- De la présence d’avocat, fromage ou crème sure
- De l’utilisation ou non d’un bol de tortilla
Serving Ideas for Maximum Joy
- With: Frozen mango margaritas (because adulthood)
- As Lettuce Tacos: When carbs feel like too much
- For Cat Tax: Serve J plain chicken in his bowl (then watch him ignore it)
Final Thought: This salad is fast enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and bizarrely intriguing to feline overlords. Win-win-win.
Made it? Tag #FajitaCatDad for solidarity.
easy chicken fajita salad recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 1 breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning store-bought or homemade
Veggies:
- 1 sweet bell pepper red or yellow, sliced
- ½ white or yellow onion sliced
- Pinch of kosher salt
Greens + Toppings:
- 2 cups spinach or mixed greens
- ½ avocado diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Handful of fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Dressing:
- 2 –3 tbsp bottled ranch dressing or mix mayo + lime juice in a pinch
Instructions
Instructions:
Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and rub with fajita seasoning like it owes you money.
- Sear to Sizzle
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, then sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
Char the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, toss in sliced peppers and onions. Add a pinch of salt and cook until charred and softened (don’t stir too often!).
Assemble the Salad:
- In serving bowls, layer your greens. Add sliced chicken, cooked veggies, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Add the Sauce:
- Drizzle with ranch dressing (or drench it, we’re not judging). Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Sub in grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu with the same seasoning.
- For crunch: Add crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas on top.
- Cat version: Serve plain cooked chicken in a separate bowl. No seasoning, no drama.
- Meal prep tip: Keep all components separate in containers and dress just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients of taco salad?
Taco salad usually has lettuce, seasoned ground beef (or other protein), cheese, tomatoes, and often beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
What can I use instead of lettuce in tacos?
Instead of lettuce in tacos, you can use:
Cabbage, spinach, arugula, or even just extra cilantro or salsa can work instead of lettuce in tacos.
What is the proper way to eat a taco salad?
Mix it up, then eat it with a fork!
Is taco salad an American thing?
Yes, taco salad is generally considered an American dish. While tacos themselves have Mexican origins, the concept of a “taco salad” – that is, taco fillings served in a fried tortilla shell or with tortilla chips on a bed of lettuce – is a distinctly American invention. You won’t typically find it in traditional Mexican cuisine.
How are you supposed to eat a taco?
To properly eat a taco without making a mess, follow these simple tips:
Choose the Right Grip:
Hold the taco gently but firmly with both hands, keeping your thumbs and pinkies at the bottom for support.
Tilt Your Head, Not the Taco:
Keep the taco horizontal and tilt your head slightly to take a bite. This prevents the filling from spilling out.
Start at One End:
Begin eating from one side and work your way across to avoid uneven pressure.
Catch the Drips:
Hold the taco over your plate to catch any falling fillings or sauces. Some people use a tortilla chip to scoop up any spills.
Use a Wrapper or Napkin:
Wrap the base in foil or a napkin for extra support, especially with soft tortillas.
Pace Your Bites:
Avoid overfilling each bite to keep the taco intact.
Following these steps, you can enjoy your taco without mess!
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