Chicken Salad Recipe with a Protein Punch: A Cookbook Highlight

After gaining 80 pounds during pregnancy, Danielle Lima from Anchorage, Alaska, embarked on a mission to track her macronutrients and create recipes that would help her shed the weight while keeping her family satisfied. What started as a personal journey turned into a website, Oh Snap Macros, and eventually her first cookbook, "Macros Made Easy: 60 Quick and Delicious Recipes for Hitting Your Protein, Fat and Carb Goals," released in 2024.

Fast forward to today, and Lima has just launched the sequel: "High-Protein Macros Made Easy: 75 Standout Recipes to Help You Build Muscle, Burn Fat and Stay Satiated." As the title suggests, this cookbook has a clear focus on protein-packed meals. Lima told Fox News Digital, "I would consider this the sequel, but with a high-protein focus." She also added features like a protein index to help users navigate the recipes efficiently.

One standout from the book is her zesty southwest chicken salad with cilantro vinaigrette, boasting a whopping 38 grams of protein per serving. Inspired by the barbecue ranch chopped salad at California Pizza Kitchen, Lima's version amps up the flavor using taco-seasoned chicken, beans, corn, and a vibrant cilantro vinaigrette. The salad is packed with bold flavors, yet keeps calories in check. Lima emphasized, "Never underestimate the power of a salad – it's one of the easiest ways to pack in protein."

The recipe serves five and includes a detailed breakdown of nutritional stats: 474 calories, 38 grams of protein, 29 grams of carbs, 25 grams of fat, and 8 grams of dietary fiber per serving. The salad is made with ingredients like cubed chicken breast, black beans, charred corn, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Cotija cheese, and optional add-ons like avocado and tortilla strips.

Lima also shared tips for customizing the salad to suit individual preferences. "This zesty salad is bursting with bold flavors and a cilantro vinaigrette you'll want to drizzle on everything," she said. "Customize it to your liking by adding your favorite salad toppings and mix-ins for a meal that's as unique as you are."

The recipe steps, included in the cookbook, guide readers through seasoning the chicken with a mix of spices, searing it, and combining it with charred corn and black beans. The cilantro vinaigrette is made in a blender with lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, offering a tangy finish to the salad.

Whether you're trying to build muscle or simply eat healthier, Lima's cookbook provides an accessible and tasty way to meet your goals. And honestly, who doesn’t love a salad that’s delicious, nutritious, and anything but boring?

Reprinted with permission from "High-Protein Macros Made Easy" by Danielle Lima. Page Street Publishing Co. copyright © 2025.