Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

If you love meals that are both creamy and invigorating, you are in for a treat! The Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing is a protein-packed, zesty lunch or dinner that’s as exciting as it sounds. Freshly shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and tangy cheddar cheese meet the cool, bold flavors of jalapeño and a verdant cilantro lime dressing, making this salad the kind of dish you’ll want to enjoy on repeat. Not only is it ridiculously easy to pull together, but it’s also gluten-free, low in carbs, and ready in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, allowing every ingredient to shine. Each component brings essential flavor, texture, and color, ensuring that the final salad bursts with nutrition and excitement in every bite.

• Cooked chicken breast: Shredded for maximum tenderness and the perfect protein base.
• Cottage cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element that amps up the richness and softness.
• Celery stalks: Brings a cool, crisp crunch that balances all the creaminess.
• Green onions: Offers a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the mix for bold, savory notes and a gorgeous hue.
• Fresh jalapeño (for salad): Gives the salad its signature kick—adjust the amount to fit your taste for heat.
• Sour cream: The tangy backbone of the dressing, making it smooth and luscious.
• Fresh jalapeño (for dressing): Doubles down on the spicy, fresh flavor throughout the dish.
• Fresh cilantro: Lends herby brightness to the dressing, with a hint of earthiness.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle depth, infusing every bite with flavor.
• Garlic salt: An easy way to blend garlic flavor and seasoning in a single step.
• Juice of 2 limes: Delivers punchy acidity, tying all the flavors together.

How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

The base of every great chicken salad is delightfully juicy chicken. Cook your chicken breast by baking, boiling, or grilling until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Allow it to cool enough to handle, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. This step is where you set the stage for the salad’s hearty bite.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Jalapeño

For that satisfying crunch and fresh kick, dice up the celery stalks and slice the green onions. Finely chop your fresh jalapeños—remember, you control the spice here. Handling jalapeños? Wear gloves, or wash your hands thoroughly after chopping!

Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked chicken, cottage cheese, diced celery, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh jalapeño (measured for the salad itself). Stir until every bite has a bit of everything.

Step 4: Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing

In a blender or food processor, add sour cream, the jalapeño portion reserved for the dressing, freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, onion powder, and garlic salt. Blend until the dressing is completely smooth and vibrantly green—this is what gives the Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing its personality.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour that gorgeous cilantro lime dressing over the chicken salad. Toss thoroughly until every shred and morsel is coated in creamy, tangy, herby dressing. Your salad should look well mixed and inviting, with lively flecks of green throughout.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

This salad shines when served chilled! Dish it out over a bed of greens, wrap it up in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or spoon onto your favorite gluten-free or keto bread. Each serving bursts with creamy, spicy, fresh flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Garnishes

The right finishing touch makes any dish pop! Add extra chopped cilantro, a few fresh jalapeño slices, a wedge of lime, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top. These little extras highlight the vivid flavors and beautiful colors of the Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like sliced avocado, crunchy veggie sticks, or even a bowl of fresh berries. For a heartier meal, try serving with tortilla chips or a warm cup of soup—the creaminess of the salad works with so many flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn snack time into a party by serving scoops of Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing inside mini bell peppers or cucumber boats. Or pile it on top of crisp tostada shells for playful, Tex-Mex flair. You can even stuff it into pita pockets or roll it into wraps for lunch on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and the flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more delicious after some time chilling out. Give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

While it’s tempting to freeze just about everything, Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy ingredients, which can separate and become watery when thawed. Stick to refrigerating for best taste and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s at its best served cold or at room temperature. If you want a warm twist, try gently stirring a portion into a skillet for a quick, creamy chicken filling, but the original fresh taste really stands out when chilled.

FAQs

How spicy is this chicken salad?

It’s as spicy as you want it to be! Use less jalapeño for a milder version, or leave the seeds in for a good kick. You can always start with a smaller amount and add more to taste after the first mix.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap for sour cream in the dressing. It adds protein and maintains that tangy, creamy texture—great if you’re looking to up the nutrition even more.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, the Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing is low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Just be mindful of any sides or wraps you pair with it if you’re sticking to a strict keto diet.

What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?

You can switch things up with shredded turkey, canned tuna, or even cooked shrimp. The creamy dressing matches beautifully with a variety of proteins for endless meal prep possibilities.

How can I make the salad richer?

If you want to take things to the next level, add diced avocado or crumbled crispy bacon into the mix. Both add satisfying richness and even more flavor, making each bite of Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing downright irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fast, flavorful meal that energizes your lunch or dinner routine, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing. Each forkful delivers bright, bold flavor and creamy comfort—plus, it couldn’t be easier to prepare. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to perk up your week!

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