Southwest Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that brings together seasoned grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, black beans, and corn, all tied together with a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a light yet satisfying dinner. With bold Southwestern flavors and colorful ingredients, this salad is as delicious as it is nutritious.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastschili powderground cumingarlic powdersalt and pepperolive oilromaine lettucegrape tomatoescanned black beans (drained and rinsed)canned corn (drained)red bell pepperavocadocheddar cheesegreen onionscilantrolime wedgesoptional: tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

directions

Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely browned.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.

In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, avocado chunks, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.

Top the salad with the sliced chicken.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and toss gently.

Add optional tortilla strips or crushed chips for extra crunch if desired.

Serve immediately with your favorite Southwest-style dressing (such as chipotle ranch or cilantro-lime vinaigrette).

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesAssembly time: 5 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use grilled steak or shrimp instead of chicken for a twist.

Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it even more filling.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding extra beans or tofu.

Swap romaine for mixed greens or baby spinach for a different texture.

Top with pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Chicken can be reheated in a skillet or microwave before assembling the salad.Avoid storing dressed salad to maintain freshness and crispness.

FAQs

What dressing goes best with Southwest Chicken Salad?

Chipotle ranch, avocado lime, or cilantro-lime vinaigrette pair perfectly with the bold flavors.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just store the ingredients separately and assemble right before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

Is this salad spicy?

It has mild heat from the seasonings, but you can adjust spice levels to your preference.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check packaged items like chips or seasoning.

Conclusion

Southwest Chicken Salad is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying meal that’s full of texture and bold flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, it’s a versatile dish that brings excitement to the salad world. Add your favorite toppings, play with the protein, and enjoy a salad that’s never boring.

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