Name: Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1/4 cup avocado, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

A fresh and vibrant salad, this Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with juicy grilled chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a creamy, tangy dressing with just the right hint of spice. It’s everything I want in a meal that’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

1/4 cup avocado, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions

Preheat the grill or a stovetop pan over medium heat. I rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

I grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s fully cooked and the juices run clear. After cooking, I let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

In a large bowl, I combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and red onion.

To make the dressing, I whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

I slice the cooked chicken and add it to the salad. Then I drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything to combine.

Finally, I top the salad with cilantro, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese if I’m using it.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 350 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the protein by using grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. For extra crunch, I might add tortilla strips. If I’m looking for a dairy-free version, I simply skip the cheese. A little hot sauce or diced jalapeños can spice things up even more.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing goes in a small jar or container. I avoid mixing the greens and dressing until right before serving to keep everything crisp. Reheating isn’t necessary unless I want warm chicken, in which case I gently reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

I prep all the ingredients separately and store them in containers. When I’m ready to eat, I just assemble the salad and add the dressing.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, I can use a store-bought southwest or chipotle ranch dressing if I want to save time.

What can I use instead of chicken?

I like using grilled shrimp, steak, or even roasted chickpeas as a vegetarian option.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I find it holds up well for 2-3 days when stored properly, making it great for lunch prep.

How spicy is the dressing?

The dressing has a mild smoky heat. If I want it spicier, I add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Conclusion

This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something healthy, flavorful, and filling. With just the right mix of textures, colors, and bold southwestern flavors, it’s a salad I come back to again and again.

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating