girl dinner ft. meal prep!

girl dinner ft. meal prep! is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Ashley M Lin on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $10.07 total, $2.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking the chicken)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder (Mexican seasoning)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 pcs Roma Tomatoes (seeded and diced)
  • 0.25 pcs Red Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 pcs Avocado (ripe, diced)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken

    In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mix until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Cook the Chicken

    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and sauté, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (no pink inside).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Rest the Chicken

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before chopping.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare the Vegetables

    While the chicken rests, dice the Roma tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and slice the avocado. Roughly chop the cilantro.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make the Lime‑Cilantro Dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and the chopped cilantro.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Assemble the Salad

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rested chicken, diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and drizzle with the lime‑cilantro dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Serve or Store

    Serve immediately or portion into airtight containers for meal‑prep. Keep dressing separate if storing for more than a few hours.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: High Protein, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Low Carb

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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girl dinner ft. meal prep!

Recipe by Ashley M Lin

A protein‑packed Mexican‑style chicken salad that swaps the traditional beans for tender, seasoned chicken. Mixed with fresh Roma tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and creamy avocado, this dense salad is perfect for meal‑prepping or a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
38m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.07
Total cost
$2.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Allow chicken to rest before chopping to retain juiciness.
  • Do not overdress the salad; add dressing gradually.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with a separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly after touching.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mexican Dense Chicken Salad in Mexican cuisine?

A

While traditional Mexican salads often feature beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, the dense chicken version reflects modern meal‑prep trends that swap beans for extra protein. It blends classic Mexican flavors—lime, cilantro, and chili—with a convenient, protein‑rich twist popular in contemporary Mexican‑inspired home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Mexican chicken salads in Mexico?

A

In coastal regions like Veracruz, chicken salads may include citrus segments and tropical fruits, while in the north, they often feature grilled chicken with roasted poblano peppers and queso fresco. The base of lime‑cilantro dressing remains consistent across regions.

cultural
Q

How is Mexican Dense Chicken Salad traditionally served in Mexico?

A

It is typically served chilled as a side or light main dish, often accompanied by warm corn tortillas or tostadas. In some families, it is presented on a platter with sliced radishes and extra lime wedges for added freshness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Mexican Dense Chicken Salad traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Chicken salads are popular at casual family gatherings, picnics, and summer barbecues because they can be prepared ahead and served cold. They also appear at festive events like Día de los Muertos feasts where bright colors and fresh ingredients are celebrated.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Mexican Dense Chicken Salad?

A

Pair it with warm corn tortillas, black‑bean refried beans, grilled corn (elote), or a side of Mexican rice. A light margarita or a sparkling mango‑blood orange mocktail, like the one featured by Ashley M Lin, complements the bright flavors.

cultural
Q

What makes Mexican Dense Chicken Salad special or unique in Mexican cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in replacing the traditional bean base with seasoned chicken, boosting protein while retaining the classic lime‑cilantro brightness. The addition of creamy avocado adds richness, creating a balanced, dense salad that feels both hearty and fresh.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Dense Chicken Salad?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry, and overdressing the salad, which can make it soggy. Also, failing to seed the tomatoes can introduce excess water, diluting the flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this Mexican Dense Chicken Salad recipe use a quick lime‑cilantro dressing instead of a creamy mayo‑based dressing?

A

The lime‑cilantro dressing keeps the salad light, bright, and authentic to Mexican flavor profiles, while also allowing the natural richness of the avocado and chicken to shine without the heaviness of mayo.

technical
Q

Can I make Mexican Dense Chicken Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container and combine just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ashley M Lin specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ashley M Lin focuses on quick, vibrant meal‑prep ideas and colorful, health‑focused recipes that blend Asian and Latin flavors, often featuring fresh produce and easy‑to‑follow techniques for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ashley M Lin's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Ashley M Lin emphasizes modern, protein‑rich twists on classic Mexican dishes, such as swapping beans for chicken in salads, and pairs them with eye‑catching drinks like mango sparkling water and blood‑orange guava shots, creating a fresh, Instagram‑ready aesthetic that differs from more traditional, heavy‑sauce Mexican cooking channels.

channel

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