Name: Cajun Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp dried thyme; 2 tsp salt; 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, adjust to your taste; 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to your taste; 4 cups romaine lettuce (cos lettuce); 1 lebanese cucumber, quartered; 2 cups Heirloom tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, sliced; ¼ red onion, sliced thinly; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, reserved from above; 2 tbsp whole egg mayonnaise; 2 tbsp non fat plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)

Cajun Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Dressing

A quick and flavorful salad with juicy grilled chicken coated in homemade Cajun spices, served with a creamy dressing that cools the heat.

Prep5 min

Cook30 min

Total12 min

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

This salad combines the bold, smoky flavors of Cajun-spiced grilled chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables. The homemade spice mix gives the chicken a beautiful crust and a kick of heat, while the creamy yogurt-based dressing balances it perfectly.

It's a satisfying main-course salad that comes together quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer lunch. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your spice tolerance, and the dressing can be made milder or tangier with extra yogurt or mayo.

Method

In a shallow bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix well. Set aside 1 teaspoon of this Cajun seasoning for the dressing.
Coat each chicken thigh (or breast) lightly with the remaining seasoning on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet over medium-high heat until hot (but not smoking). Grill the chicken in batches (to avoid crowding) until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Remove and let rest for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the salad: in a large bowl or platter, arrange the romaine lettuce, quartered cucumber, halved tomatoes, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion.
Slice the rested chicken into strips and place over the salad.
In a small bowl, mix the reserved 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning with the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (or sour cream). Taste and adjust with extra mayo, yogurt, salt, or pepper as desired. Serve the dressing alongside the salad or drizzle on top.

💡 Tips

For extra char, let the chicken rest after grilling before slicing; this keeps it juicy.
Use a grill thermometer or cut into the thickest part to check doneness (165°F / 175°F).
If you prefer a milder dressing, use less reserved seasoning or add more yogurt.

Inspired by a recipe from Cafe Delites

Cajun Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Dressing

Ingredients

Cajun seasoning

Salad

Dressing

Method

💡 Tips

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