The Keto Chicken Fajita Salad is a vibrant and satisfying low-carbs dish. It combines tender, seasoned chicken strips with colorful bell peppers and onions. These ingredients are served on a bed of fresh greens. The flavors of chili powder, cumin, and paprika add a zesty and aromatic dimension to the dish.
This creates a bold and delicious meal. Topped with creamy guacamole or avocado slices, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures. It can be optionally enriched with sour cream and shredded cheese for added flavor. The lime wedges on the side add a tangy finish. They enhance the overall experience with a refreshing twist. This keto-friendly salad is both nutritious and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Have it both ways. A warm and satisfying meal, and a fresh salad, rolled into one. Plus, it’s keto AND amazingly delicious! Feast or fiesta? You decide.
Ingredients
- 650 g boneless chicken thighs
- 280 g Romaine lettuce
- 140 g cherry tomatoes
- 2 (400 g) avocados
- 4 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 (110 g) yellow onion
- 1 (140 g) green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 85 g butter
- salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp Tex-Mex seasoning
- 240 ml (110 g) Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded
- 240 ml sour cream (optional)
Instructions for Keto Chicken Fajita Salad
- Prepare the Toppings:
- Tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- Chop the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Dice the avocados and add them to a separate bowl.
- Clean and chop the fresh cilantro, then set aside.
- Slice the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the yellow onion and green bell pepper. Set them aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- On a separate cutting board, slice the boneless chicken thighs into thin strips.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
- Once the chicken is almost done, add the sliced onion, sliced green bell pepper, and Tex-Mex seasoning to the skillet.
- Lower the heat and continue to cook. Stir often for an extra 2-3 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked. Make sure the vegetables have softened.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In the bowl with the torn lettuce, add the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
- Finally, add a dollop of sour cream on top, if desired.
- Serve:
- Toss gently to combine, or serve as is, allowing each person to mix their salad. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Keto Chicken Fajita Salad!
Feel free to change any steps or add extra toppings to suit your taste!.
Video
Tips for Making Keto Chicken Fajita Salad
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and Tex-Mex seasoning. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds depth to the taste.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, organic produce and high-quality chicken for the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Sauté Vegetables Separately: If you like your vegetables crunchy, sauté the onions and bell peppers separately. Cook them on their own. Do this before adding them to the chicken. This way, they won’t get too soft.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding minced garlic when sautéing the onions and peppers for an extra flavor boost. You can also squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad before serving.
- Consider Other Toppings: Feel free to experiment with extra toppings. Try sliced jalapeños for heat. Use olives for saltiness. Add crumbled queso fresco for creaminess.
- Make it Ahead: For meal prep, store the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container. Keep them separate from the lettuce and toppings. Combine them just before eating to keep everything fresh.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy spiciness, add some cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also use hot sauce to kick up the heat.
- Use Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken or vegetables from the earlier meal, use them in your salad. This makes a quick choice.
- Serve with a Dressing: If you prefer, drizzle a keto-friendly dressing over the salad. Options include ranch or a cilantro-lime vinaigrette. This addition provides extra flavor and creaminess.
- Presentation Matters: Serve the salad in individual bowls for a more appealing presentation. This can also make it easier for guests or family members to change their servings.
- Experiment with Cheese: You can use Mexican cheese or cheddar. Try using pepper jack cheese for added flavor. For extra richness, use a blend of cheeses.
- Stay Organized: Keep your workspace organized. Chop and prepare all ingredients before cooking. This streamlines the process and makes it less stressful.
By using these tips, you’ll create a more flavorful Keto Chicken Fajita Salad. It will be enjoyable and can be customized to suit your tastes! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Keto Chicken Fajita Salad:
Is this keto-friendly?
- Yes. It’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, especially with avocado, cheese, and sour cream. Use low-carb toppings and dressings to keep it within your daily carb target.
How many servings does the recipe make?
- This depends on part sizes, but a typical serving is 1/4 to 1/6 of the prepared salad. Adjust amounts based on how large you want each serving.
What’s the estimated nutrition per serving?
- Nutrition can vary by brand and part. Here is a rough estimate per serving: 420–450 calories. It includes 25–30 g protein, 30–35 g fat, and 10–15 g total carbs (with 4–7 g net carbs). For precise values, calculate based on the exact ingredients you use.
Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes. Omit the cheese and sour cream or substitute with dairy-free alternatives. You can add extra avocado or a dairy-free ranch or cilantro-lime dressing for creaminess.
Can I prep this in advance?
- Yes. Cook and cool the chicken and vegetables separately. Store them in airtight containers. Assemble with greens and toppings just before serving. This keeps textures fresh.
How spicy is it, and can I adjust the heat?
- The dish is mildly to moderately spicy depending on Tex-Mex seasoning and optional add-ins. To reduce heat, use milder seasoning or omit peppers; to increase heat, add cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Can I substitute proteins?
- You can use turkey, chicken thighs or breasts, or even shrimp. Adjust cooking times appropriately.
What toppings work well besides those listed?
- Good options: olives, sliced jalapeños, diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, queso fresco, or a drizzle of cilantro-lime dressing.
Do I need to drain any liquids from avocados or tomatoes?
- Avocados can be added as-is. Tomatoes are fine whole or halved; if they release a lot of moisture, you can pat them dry before adding.
What dressings pair well with this salad?
- Keto-friendly dressings like cilantro-lime vinaigrette, ranch, avocado crema, or a light sour-cream-based dressing work well.
How long does it take to make?
- The total time is about 25–40 minutes from start to finish. This varies based on prep speed. It also depends on whether you cook everything at once or in stages.
How should I store leftovers?
- Store separately: keep cooked chicken and vegetables in one container, greens and toppings in another. Reassemble when serving to keep texture. Consume within 2–3 days.
Are there gluten-free considerations?
- Yes. The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as seasoning and any condiments used are gluten-free.
Keto chicken fajita Salad
The Keto Chicken Fajita Salad is a colorful low-carb dish featuring seasoned chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers and onions on a bed of fresh greens, topped with creamy guacamole or avocado slices. A zesty blend of flavors with a hint of spice, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a flavorful keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 650 g boneless chicken thighs
- 280 g Romaine lettuce
- 140 g cherry tomatoes
- 2 (400 g) avocados
- 4 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 (110 g) yellow onion
- 1 (140 g) green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 85 g butter
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tbsp Tex-Mex seasoning
- 240 ml (110 g) Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded
- 240 ml sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Toppings:
- Tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- Chop the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Dice the avocados and add them to a separate bowl.
- Clean and chop the fresh cilantro, then set aside. - Slice the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the yellow onion and green bell pepper. Set them aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
- On a separate cutting board, slice the boneless chicken thighs into thin strips. - Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. - Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
- Once the chicken is almost done, add the sliced onion, sliced green bell pepper, and Tex-Mex seasoning to the skillet.
- Lower the heat and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables have softened. - Assemble the Salad:
- In the bowl with the torn lettuce, add the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
- Finally, add a dollop of sour cream on top, if desired. - Serve:
- Toss gently to combine, or serve as is, allowing each person to mix their salad. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Keto Chicken Fajita Salad!
Feel free to customize any steps or add additional toppings to suit your taste!
Notes
A spoonful of your favorite salsa can be a nice addition. Also, feel free to substitute guacamole for the avocado in this fajita bowl.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 7377Total Fat: 603gSaturated Fat: 339gTrans Fat: 17gUnsaturated Fat: 197gCholesterol: 1946mgSodium: 11466mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 3gSugar: 14gProtein: 428g
The presented values are approximate and shouldn't be considered as accurate. Please calculate your OWN nutrition information in a database using the brand names you have at hand. Each brand is different, and information can vary.
17 March 2021 at 1:22 PMgreat idea mmm!
19 March 2021 at 8:00 AMYummy and fiber filled!
7 June 2021 at 5:35 PMOh..thats looks good, fixing for my wife and daughter, this weekend, God Bless, Dave