Tequila-Lime Chicken Salad

  • 4

Ingredients

  • SALAD:
  • 1/2 c tequila
  • 1/2 c fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 c fresh orange juice
  • 1 (1.12 oz) pkg fajita seasoning mix
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 (1.25 lb) pkg boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
  • 2 (5 oz) pkgs mixed baby greens
  • 1 (15.5 oz) can black beens, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 c chopped green onion
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
  • HONEY-LIME DRESSING:
  • 1/2 c light olive oil
  • 1/2 c fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • BAKED TORTILLA STRIPS:
  • 1 (10-inch) spinach-flavored flour tortilla, cut into 2 x 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 (10-inch) sun-dried tomato-flavored tortilla, cut into 2 x 1/2-inch strips

Preparation

Step 1

SALAD:

In a small bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, orange juice, fajita seasoning mix, jalapeño, garlic and salt.

In a large shallow dish or large zip top plastic bag, combine chicken and tequila mixture. Cover, or seal bag, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (350º - 400º).

Grill chicken, covered with grill lid, for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until chicken is no longer pink inside. Let chicken cool slightly, and cut into thin strips.

In a large bowl, combine baby greens, beans, green onion, and sliced chicken. Add desired amount of Honey-Lime Dressing, tossing gently to coat. Divide Baked Tortilla Strips evenly among serving plates. Top each with salad mixture, and sprinkle evenly with chopped avocado. Serve immediately.

HONEY-LIME DRESSING:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt and garlic powder. Cover and chill.
**Dressing can be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Whisk before serving.

BAKED TORTILLA STRIPS:

Preheat oven to 400º. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Arrange tortilla strips in an even layer over prepared baking sheet. Spray tortilla strips lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, or until browned and crisp. Cool completely.

From Cooking with Paula Deen, January/February 2009.