Save This Summer Detox Cucumber Noodle Salad with Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken is a vibrant, light, and refreshing meal designed to fuel your body with clean ingredients. Perfect for warm weather, this dish combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with the zesty, smoky flavors of perfectly grilled chicken.
Save The secret to this recipe lies in the bold chili-lime marinade, which serves as both a flavor booster for the chicken and a base for the salad's vibrant profile. In just 40 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality fusion meal on your table.
Ingredients
- For the Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tbsp olive oil, zest and juice of 2 limes, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the Cucumber Noodle Salad: 3 large cucumbers (spiralized or julienned), 1 cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 1 cup carrots (julienned), 1/2 cup red cabbage (finely shredded), 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 2 tbsp green onions (thinly sliced)
- For the Dressing: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey or agave syrup, 1 small garlic clove (minced), 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional), 1/4 tsp sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over, and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Grill the Protein
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
- Spiralize or julienne the cucumbers and carrots. In a large bowl, combine them with the bell pepper, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions.
- Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
- In a small jar or bowl, shake or whisk together all dressing ingredients—olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper—until emulsified.
- Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Toss the vegetable mixture with the dressing. Divide the salad among plates, top with the sliced chili-lime chicken, and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
If you don't have a spiralizer, you can easily create the cucumber noodles by julienning them with a sharp knife or using a standard vegetable peeler for thin ribbons. To prevent the salad from becoming watery, spiralize the cucumbers just before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply replace the chicken breasts with grilled tofu or tempeh. You can also boost the healthy fats and texture by adding sliced avocado or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Serviervorschläge
Complement the zesty citrus and smoky spice notes by pairing this dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, a lime-infused sparkling water provides a refreshing and bubbly accompaniment.
Save This 265-calorie meal is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy detox without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're hosting a summer lunch or prepping a light dinner, this cucumber noodle salad is sure to be a seasonal favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the cucumber noodles without a spiralizer?
You can julienne cucumbers with a sharp knife or use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips that resemble noodles.
- → Can I prepare the grilled chicken in advance?
Yes, marinate the chicken ahead of time and grill just before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- → What can I use instead of chili powder in the marinade?
Smoked paprika or mild chili flakes can be good alternatives to add subtle heat and smokiness.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish without meat?
Try substituting grilled chicken with tofu or tempeh, which also absorb the marinade flavors well.
- → What kind of dressing complements the cucumber noodles best?
A zesty lime-based dressing with olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, and a touch of garlic balances freshness and brightness.