Southwest Chicken Salad
Southwest chicken salad is a vibrant dish that brings together tender, grilled chicken, fresh greens, and zesty toppings for a fiesta of flavors in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings, this salad is visually stunning and packed with nutrients. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish, this southwest chicken salad promises satisfaction without sacrificing health.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- Chop Veggies: While the chicken cools, chop romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice red onion.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix chopped lettuce with cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Whip Up the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Assemble Salad: Slice rested chicken and add it to the veggie mix. Drizzle generously with dressing.
- Serve: Plate your salad and enjoy! Optionally top with avocado slices or tortilla strips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added creaminess, consider incorporating diced avocado or crumbled feta cheese. - Substitute chickpeas for black beans for a different flavor profile. - Store leftovers in an airtight container; keep dressing separate until ready to eat.