Description
Try this fresh & flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe! Packed with grilled chicken, crunchy veggies & a zesty dressing—perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Salad:
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the olive oil and spice mix onto the chicken breasts.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2 – Cooking Process
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken rests, prepare the dressing by whisking together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 3 – Final Touch & Serving
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, cheddar cheese, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Add the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with the homemade dressing.
- Garnish with tortilla strips for extra crunch and serve immediately!
- For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some additional lime juice on top before serving.
Notes
- Juicier chicken? Marinate it overnight for maximum flavor.
- Make it spicier! Add a dash of cayenne pepper, extra jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Dressing consistency? Thin it out with a bit of water if needed or add more Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Grill marks for presentation? Use a cast-iron grill pan or outdoor grill for that smoky charred flavor.
- Meal prep tip: Store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.
Keywords: southwest chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, grilled chicken salad, tex mex salad, avocado salad, meal prep salad, protein-packed salad, easy chicken salad, gluten free chicken salad