Southwestern Chicken Salad
This bold and zesty Southwestern Chicken Salad is loaded with juicy grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and a creamy chipotle-lime dressing. It's perfect for a protein-packed lunch, a light dinner, or a colorful party dish. #SouthwesternSalad #ChickenSaladRecipe #HealthySalad #MealPrep #TexMexSalad #AvocadoChickenSalad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 avocado diced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese optional
- For the Chipotle-Lime Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 –2 tbsp water to thin as needed
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and coat evenly with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo or yogurt, chipotle pepper, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and water until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl or platter, layer romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cheese (if using).
- Add Chicken:
- Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken.
- Dress and Serve:
- Drizzle the chipotle-lime dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve on the side.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding grilled tofu or extra beans.
- For extra crunch, top with crushed tortilla chips or toasted pepitas.
- Great for meal prep! Store components separately and assemble just before eating.