Peruvian Grilled Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad combines the juicy, smoky flavors of Peruvian grilled chicken with the crunchiness of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The creamy aji verde dressing ties everything together with a delightful heat and tang. It’s quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a casual gathering. Plus, the fresh ingredients and healthy fats from the olives and chicken make it a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Peruvian grilled chicken, chopped

• 6 cups lettuce, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced or diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced or diced

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced or diced

• 1 cup tomatoes, sliced or diced

• 1/2 cup olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced or diced

• 1/2 cup aji verde (Peruvian green sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped grilled chicken, sliced lettuce, red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and red onion.

2. Add the Dressing:
   Drizzle the aji verde (Peruvian green sauce) over the salad. Toss everything together gently to combine and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

3. Serve:
   Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the grilled chicken and add grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

• More Heat: If you like your salad spicier, add more aji verde or top with sliced jalapeños.

• Add Cheese: For extra richness, sprinkle some crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top.

• Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like avocado, corn, or shredded carrots for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The aji verde dressing can make the salad soggy over time, so it’s best to store the dressing separately.

• Reheating: If you plan to have leftovers with grilled chicken, reheat the chicken separately and add to the salad when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crunchy. You can prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them separately.

2. What can I use if I don’t have aji verde?

Aji verde is a signature Peruvian sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and a bit of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a creamy, tangy dressing.

3. Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even a vegetarian protein like grilled tofu or beans.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. Can I make this salad spicier?

Definitely! Add more aji verde or include fresh chilies like jalapeños to give the salad an extra kick.

6. How do I make the aji verde dressing from scratch?

To make aji verde at home, blend cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

7. Can I use store-bought Peruvian chicken?

Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time or don’t want to grill the chicken yourself.

8. Can I substitute the aji verde with a different dressing?

If you prefer, you can use a different dressing like a cilantro-lime dressing or a tangy vinaigrette, though aji verde gives it an authentic Peruvian flavor.

9. How can I make this salad more filling?

For a heartier meal, add some quinoa, rice, or avocado to make the salad more filling and add extra healthy fats.

10. Can I serve this salad with something else?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled bread, pita, or even over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal.

Conclusion

This Peruvian Grilled Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of fresh veggies, flavorful chicken, and the bold, zesty kick of aji verde dressing. It’s an easy-to-make, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather and any casual meal. Quick to prepare, full of vibrant ingredients, and full of flavor, this salad will definitely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the burst of fresh, tangy flavors!

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