Adobo Lime Chicken Salad

Smoky Citrus Chicken Salad with Chipotle, Corn, Black Beans & Adobo Lime Vinaigrette

Using Milford Spice Company Adobo Lime

This Adobo Lime Chicken Salad gets its smoky, citrusy flavor from Milford Spice Company Adobo Lime and a kick of heat from chipotle pepper. Fresh romaine, corn, black beans, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and a bright Adobo Lime vinaigrette make this a colorful summer salad. Omit the chipotle pepper for a milder version.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 2 large breasts or 5–6 tenderloins

• ⅓ cup honey

• ⅓ cup chicken stock or water

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 Tbsp Milford Spice Company Adobo Lime

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 Tbsp lime juice

• 3 Tbsp adobo sauce, from a can of chipotle peppers

• 1 whole chipotle pepper, omit for mild version

Slurry for Thickening

• 2 Tbsp cold water

• 2 tsp cornstarch

Salad Mix-Ins

• 3 cups frozen corn, thawed

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 20 cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

• ½ red onion, diced

• 1 avocado, sliced

• Optional: tortilla strips for crunch

For the Vinaigrette

• ½ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

• 2 tsp Milford Spice Company Adobo Lime

• 1 medium clove garlic, grated

• 1 tsp agave

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

1. Place olive oil, lime juice, Milford Spice Company Adobo Lime , garlic, agave, salt, and cilantro in a jar with a lid.

2. Shake well and let sit at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in the Instant Pot

1. In the Instant Pot insert, stir together honey, stock, salt, Milford Spice Company Adobo Lime , garlic, lime juice, adobo sauce, and chipotle pepper.

2. Add chicken, turning to coat.

3. Seal lid and set to high pressure for 9 minutes.

4. Quick release when finished.

5. Remove chicken to rest on a cutting board.

6. Switch Instant Pot to sauté.

7. Stir together the water and cornstarch slurry, then add it to the pot.

8. Simmer 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

9. Remove chipotle pepper.

10. Slice chicken into strips or cubes, return to sauce, and toss to coat.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, mix black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, and onion.

2. Add chopped romaine lettuce and toss again.

3. Top with chicken, avocado slices, and tortilla strips if using.

4. Drizzle with Adobo Lime vinaigrette and serve immediately.

Serving Idea

For a smoky, spicy version, keep the chipotle pepper. For a milder Adobo Lime Chicken Salad, leave it out and let the citrusy Adobo Lime flavor shine.

Why This Recipe Works

This Adobo Lime Chicken Salad works because it balances smoky, citrusy, sweet, spicy, creamy, and crisp textures in one bowl. The honey and lime help balance the chipotle heat, the black beans and corn make the salad filling, and the Adobo Lime vinaigrette brightens the romaine, tomatoes, avocado, and chicken.

Make It Your Way

• For a mild version: omit the whole chipotle pepper.

• For more crunch: add tortilla strips right before serving.

• For meal prep: keep the vinaigrette, chicken, and lettuce separate until serving.

• For extra protein: add more black beans or extra chicken.

• For a lighter bowl: use less honey in the chicken sauce and add extra lime juice.

What to Serve with Adobo Lime Chicken Salad

This salad pairs well with tortilla chips, cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, black bean soup, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple side of guacamole. It also works well as a summer lunch, dinner salad, or make-ahead meal prep bowl.

More Ways to Use Milford Adobo Lime

Milford Spice Company Adobo Lime is a bold citrusy blend that works beyond chicken salad. Try it with guacamole, dips, fajitas, salmon, seafood, green chili, roasted vegetables, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, chicken bowls, tacos, or grilled shrimp.

• Shake it into lime vinaigrettes, marinades, or yogurt sauces.

• Sprinkle it over salmon, shrimp, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

• Add it to guacamole, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a quick dip.

• Use it in fajitas, tacos, chicken bowls, or grilled veggie plates.

Allergen-Friendly Swaps

• Gluten-free: use gluten-free tortilla strips or skip them.

• Dairy-free: this recipe is dairy-free as written, but check all packaged ingredients.

• Corn-free: omit the corn and add extra black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, or avocado.

• Bean-free: omit the black beans and add extra chicken, avocado, corn, or romaine.

More Easy Salad Ideas

Looking for more fresh dinner salads, summer chicken recipes, or easy meals with bold flavor? Pair this Adobo Lime Chicken Salad with other chicken bowls, taco salads, grilled seafood recipes, and Milford Spice Company blends that make everyday cooking easier.