Description
This Southwest Chicken Salad combines perfectly seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
For the Lime-Cilantro Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat chicken breasts dry, drizzle with olive oil, and rub the spice mixture all over both sides.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain into strips.
- Make the dressing by whisking together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Place chopped romaine in a large bowl, then add black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Arrange sliced chicken on top, add diced avocado, and sprinkle with cilantro and cotija cheese.
- Serve with lime-cilantro dressing on the side or drizzled on top.
Notes
- Make ahead: Cook chicken and prepare dressing up to 3 days in advance.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- For extra flavor, try charring the corn before adding to the salad.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and double the black beans.
- Substitute feta cheese if cotija isn’t available.
- Store undressed components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg