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Southwest Chicken Salad

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This Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy grilled chicken, fresh veggies, black beans, corn, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner, this hearty salad is fresh, satisfying, and easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Healthy & Protein-Packed – Loaded with lean chicken and fiber-rich beans.
✔️ Bright & Flavorful – Zesty lime dressing and bold southwest spices.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the toppings to suit your taste!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lime

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups romaine or mixed greens, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar or cotija cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for crunch, optional)

For the Southwest Dressing:

  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
  2. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
  3. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, avocado, cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  2. Add the sliced chicken on top.
  3. Drizzle with the southwest dressing and toss gently.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Top with tortilla strips for crunch (optional) and serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions

🥑 Make it a wrap – Roll in a tortilla for a southwest chicken wrap!
🍚 Serve over rice or quinoa for a grain-based bowl.
🌶️ Add spice – Use chipotle powder or hot sauce for extra heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shred or dice rotisserie chicken and toss it with the southwest seasoning.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store salad ingredients separately from the dressing and avocado in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the cheese and use dairy-free yogurt in the dressing.

5. What other proteins can I use?

Try grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different twist!

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Chicken Salad is fresh, bold, and full of delicious flavors. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a satisfying and healthy meal you’ll want to make again and again!

🌽🥑🔥 Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it in the comments! 😊