Grilled California Taco Salad

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, iceberg, or spinach)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Salsa

• Sliced jalapeños

• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

Instructions:

Healthy Chicken Taco Salad

1. Grill the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Rub the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.

• Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before shredding with a fork.

1. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and shredded cheese.

1. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.

1. Assemble the Taco Salad:

• Add the shredded chicken to the salad.

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

1. Serve:

• Portion the salad onto individual plates.

• Top with optional toppings like salsa, sliced jalapeños, and tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Grilled Chicken:

• Calories: 220

• Protein: 26g

• Total Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugars: 0g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 80mg

Salad (without dressing):

• Calories: 250

• Protein: 10g

• Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 27g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugars: 4g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 200mg

Dressing:

• Calories: 50

• Protein: 1g

• Total Fat: 4g

• Saturated Fat: 0.5g

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugars: 2g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 15mg

Total (Grilled Chicken + Salad + Dressing):

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 37g

• Total Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 6.5g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugars: 6g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 295mg