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Cuban-Style Grilled Chicken & Brown Rice Salad (Gluten-Free)

Cuban-Style Grilled Chicken Salad

Print Recipe
Prep Time 8 hrs 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 8 hrs 25 mins
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinade/Dressing

  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Juice of 2 large oranges about 1/2 cup
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • juice of 2 limes
  • 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • ½ jalapeno seeds removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 scallion roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 4-5 dashes hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • cup olive oil
  • 2 large chicken breasts pounded out to 1/2-inch thick

Fried Plantains

  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 plantains peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

Salad

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 5-ounce container spring salad mix (about 6 cups)
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup grilled corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 large avocado chopped
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese optional

Instructions

  • To make the marinade/dressing, add orange zest and juice, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, scallion, dijon, hot sauce, spices, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and honey to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Slowly stream in the olive oil as you pulse the mixture.
  • Add 1/2 of the mixture to a bowl and stir in remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the chicken to the bowl and turn to coat. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Transfer the remaining half of the marinade to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve the salad. It will stay fresh for up to 7 days.
  • Preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Remove the chicken from the marinade and lightly salt and pepper each side. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reads 160 degrees F. on an instant-read thermometer. Allow the breasts to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • To make the fried plantains, heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced plantain rounds and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly sprinkle with salt.
  • To make the salad, add the spring mix, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and red onion to a large bowl. Toss to combine. Add the cooked rice to the bottom of a large platter. Layer the mixed greens on top. Arrange the sliced chicken, avocado, and fried plantains on top of the greens. Sprinkle with cheese, if using. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and serve immediately.