Southwest Chicken Salad
A fresh, bold, and satisfying Southwest chicken salad loaded with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty southwest dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts seasoned with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
- 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 avocado sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for topping
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
Grill the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Slice into thin strips and set aside.
Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
- Layer with cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cheese.
Add the Chicken & Avocado:
- Arrange grilled chicken slices and avocado on top of the salad.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, and all the spices until smooth and creamy.
Assemble & Serve:
- Drizzle the southwest dressing over the salad.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and tortilla strips.
- Toss gently to combine or serve with dressing on the side.
Notes
- Meal prep friendly: Store ingredients separately and assemble before serving for the freshest texture.
- Healthier swap: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter dressing.
- Add protein: Try grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken for variety.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne to the dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSodium: 620mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5g
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