Hungry for something tasty and fulfilling? Try this Quick Southwest Chicken Salad. This salad has moist chicken, diced black beans, corn, and a tangy lime dressing. This salad merges Tex-Mex flavors with healthful ingredients. In need of a quick dinner on a busy night or healthy meal prep solution? This is the recipe for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, side, or even as a filling for wraps.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
For the Creamy Chipotle Dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer dressing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a milder version)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning onto the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred it.
2. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
- Add the shredded or sliced chicken on top.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, chipotle powder, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Combine and Serve
- Drizzle the chipotle dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans or tofu.
- Grilled Corn: For a smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the salad.
- Meal Prep: Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
Note:Â Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Wrap It Up: Use large tortillas to make hearty wraps.
- Rice Bowl: Serve over a bed of cilantro-lime rice.
- Lettuce Cups: Spoon into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Party Dip: Serve with tortilla chips as a flavorful dip.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Dressing: Keep dressing separate to maintain salad freshness.
Try More Salad Recipes:-
- Quick Southwest Chicken Salad
- 5 Cup Salad
- Snicker Apple Salad
- Summer Berry Salad Recipe
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
Final Thoughts
This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized.
FAQs
1. What is in the Southwest Chicken Salad?
Grilled chicken, mixed greens, corn, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips, usually topped with a cilantro lime or chipotle ranch dressing.
2. How to Make Southwest Chicken?
Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and lime juice, then grill or cook until fully done.
3. What Ingredients Do You Put in Chicken Salad?
Cooked chicken, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, celery, onion, fresh herbs, and optional add-ins like nuts, fruits, or dried cranberries.
4. What Dressing for Southwest Salad?
Cilantro lime dressing, chipotle ranch, or avocado dressing work well for Southwest salads.
