Spicy Cajun Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tbsp Dan-O’s Cajun seasoning or to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra depth
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon optional, adds brightness
For the salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens romaine, spinach, or spring mix
- ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ avocado sliced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional: roasted corn kernels or black beans for a heartier salad
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 fresh jalapeño
- 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 1 small garlic clove
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of ½ lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: water to thin if desired
Instructions
Season & cook the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry. Coat with olive oil, Dan-O’s Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Grill, pan-sear, or air-fry until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then slice thin.
Make the dressing:
- Blend together mayo, jalapeño, chives, garlic, lime juice and zest, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water until creamy and pourable. Taste and tweak — more lime for brightness, more jalapeño for heat, more honey if it needs balance. Chill for 15 minutes.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine greens, peppers, onion, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese. Toss lightly.
Top & serve:
- Add sliced Cajun chicken on top, drizzle with dressing, and finish with a sprinkle of Dan-O’s
Video
@jefsmk This one hits hard. 🔥 Spicy Cajun chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy chive-jalapeño-lime dressing that’s equal parts heat and freshness. #SmekerBuilt #DanOsSeasoning #CajunCooking #HomeChef
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