KETO CHICKEN FAJITA SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING

Keto Chicken Fajita Salad with Avocado Dressing Recipe

A vibrant, 35-minute one-pan keto meal that brings Mexican flavors to your table.

Key Info

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 485 per serving
• Fat: 38g
• Protein: 32g
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Tags: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free, Dairy-free optional

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or grill pan
• 2 mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Blender or food processor
• (Pro tip: A cast-iron skillet works brilliantly for that perfect char)

Ingredients

For the Fajita Chicken:

• 450g/1lb chicken thighs, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced (for topping)

For the Avocado Dressing:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60ml)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (60ml) [or extra mayo for dairy-free]
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Mix sliced chicken with olive oil and all spices in a bowl.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat until smoking slightly.
3. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
4. Remove chicken, set aside.
5. In same pan, cook peppers and onions until slightly charred but still crisp (4-5 minutes).
6. Meanwhile, blend all dressing ingredients until smooth.
7. Assemble bowls: lettuce base, topped with chicken, vegetables, sliced avocado, and dressing.

Crucial Tips

• Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
• Cut vegetables same size for even cooking.
• Add dressing just before serving.

Storage & Prep

• Store components separately.
• Dressing keeps 2 days in airtight container.
• Chicken and vegetables reheat well in skillet.
• Prep all ingredients before starting to cook.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken (becomes dry).
• Adding cold dressing (dulls flavors).
• Cutting vegetables too thin (they’ll become mushy).
• Using unripe avocados for dressing.

Variations

• Swap chicken for steak or shrimp.
• Add jalapeños for heat.
• Include cheese for extra fat.
• Use different bell pepper colors.
• Add Mexican oregano for authentic flavor.