Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad with Creamy Cajun Dressing
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
723 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad with Creamy Cajun Dressing
Description
This recipe combines Cajun-seasoned grilled chicken breasts with a variety of fresh salad vegetables including mixed greens, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and ripe avocado. The chicken is patted dry, lightly oiled, and coated evenly with Cajun seasoning before grilling over medium-high heat to infuse smoky spices. The creamy Cajun dressing blends buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Cajun seasoning for a tangy and mildly spicy flavor that complements the salad and chicken. Preparing the dressing ahead and chilling enhances the flavors.
The salad layers vibrant vegetables and sliced grilled chicken, topped with sliced avocado just before serving for freshness. It makes a balanced meal with protein, crunchy veggies, and creamy elements. The dressing can be adjusted for spice level by adjusting Cajun seasoning.
Using a store-bought or homemade Cajun spice blend provides flexibility. The salad is ideal for warm weather lunches or dinners and offers a flavorful, satisfying way to enjoy seasonal produce with a Cajun twist.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 4-6 cups lettuce mixed greens
- 2 cups grape tomatoes sliced in half
- 1/2 red onion peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin discs
- 1 avocado peeled and sliced
Creamy Cajun Dressing
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- lemon juice juice from half a lemon
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning depending on how spicy you want your dressing!
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
Instructions
- Prepare the salad components by washing and drying the vegetables, then slicing the cucumbers into thin discs, cutting the grape tomatoes in half, and slicing the onion into thin strips. Wait to peel and slice the avocado until just before serving.
- Prepare the creamy Cajun salad dressing by processing all of the dressing ingredients together in a blender or food processor until completely combined. I would recommend starting with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and increasing the amount until you reach your desired level of heat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
- Heat grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or large dish and pat dry. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and rub the chicken to coat evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning over the top of each chicken breast, turn the chicken over and sprinkle each chicken breast with another 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning so the chicken is evenly coated on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts directly over the heated side of the grill and grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken, until the internal temperature of the breasts reach 160°F using an instant read meat thermometer. You can also check whether the chicken is done by making a small cut into the thickest part to see if it is opaque in the center, or pressing on the thickest end of the chicken with your finger to see if there is any resistance. If there is no resistance, the chicken is done. Remove from the grill and rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare each salad plate by dividing the lettuce between four large plates. Arrange the tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and avocado on top of the lettuce, then slice each chicken breast into strips and arrange on top of each salad. Serve with Creamy Cajun Dressing.
Notes
- Use either store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning depending on preference and availability.
- Peel and slice avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- Refrigerate the creamy Cajun dressing for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 723 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 723kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 59g | 91% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 22g | 129% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 117mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 1183mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 1240mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 2852IU | 57% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 222mg | 22% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
