High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
This high protein Southwest chicken salad is fresh, filling, and packed with bold flavors. Made with seasoned chicken, crisp vegetables, black beans, and a creamy lime dressing, it’s perfect for healthy lunches, meal prep, or easy dinners that actually keep you full.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Salad Base
- 6 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup corn fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
High-Protein Lime Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Cook the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest, then slice or dice.
Prepare the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the salad
- In a large bowl, add greens, tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell pepper, and red onion. Top with sliced chicken and avocado.
Finish and serve
- Drizzle with dressing or serve on the side. Toss gently just before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add more chicken or a scoop of cottage cheese on the side.
- Make it dairy-free by swapping the yogurt dressing for a lime vinaigrette.
- Store salad and dressing separately for best meal prep results.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 38gFat: 18gFiber: 9gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
