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Quick Southwest Chicken Salad


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  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 to 3 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant, flavor-packed Southwest chicken salad featuring juicy spiced chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty yogurt-lime dressing—ready in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 cups mixed greens

1 cup corn kernels

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup avocado, diced

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional)

3 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream, or avocado)

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp honey (optional)

1 tsp chili powder or hot sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Add hot sauce if desired.
  4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
  5. Top with sliced chicken, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and tortilla strips on top if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegan version.

Add jalapeños or cayenne for more heat.

Keep dressing separate if meal prepping.

Store undressed salad in fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southwest

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg