How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

With smoky chicken and zesty dressing! So fresh, so bold. A salad that eats like a meal!

Introduction to southwest chicken salad recipe

Did you know that 68% of Americans struggle to prepare healthy meals on weeknights due to time constraints? Yet a nutritious dinner doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. If you’re southwest chicken salad recipe is the perfect solution, combining fresh ingredients with bold flavors in just 15 minutes. This vibrant dish delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and zesty dressing that will satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner solution, this recipe has you covered. And when you’re ready for something sweet afterward, our Coconut Custard Pie Recipe makes a delightful dessert pairing.

Southwest Chicken Salad

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 15 minutes mins

Total 25 minutes mins

With smoky chicken and zesty dressing! So fresh, so bold. A salad that eats like a meal!

4 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast , diced or shredded (pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 romaine lettuce heart , chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved
• 1 medium avocado , diced
• ½ cup black beans , rinsed and drained
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
• ¼ cup red onion , finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro , chopped
• ⅓ cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice (approximately 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Substitution options: No chicken? Use grilled shrimp or tofu. Swap romaine for mixed greens or kale. Allergic to avocado? Try diced cucumber for freshness.

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

  In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. The dressing should have a smooth consistency with the honey fully incorporated. Pro tip: Make double the dressing and store half in the refrigerator for up to one week to save time on your next salad.

  Step 2: Prepare the Protein

  If you're not using pre-cooked chicken, quickly cook two chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooled slightly, dice into bite-sized pieces. For meal prep efficiency, consider cooking extra chicken to use in other meals throughout the week.

  Step 3: Assemble the Base Ingredients

  In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, black beans, and corn. Toss gently to combine these ingredients, creating a colorful base for your southwest chicken salad recipe.

  Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

  Add the diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and chicken to the bowl. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. For best flavor, try to ensure every component gets some dressing.

  Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  Top your salad with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips just before serving to maintain their crunch. For an extra kick, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a few slices of jalapeño on top
  

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Nutritional Information

Per serving (recipe serves 2 main dish portions):

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 22g (mostly healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
• Sodium: 320mg
• Sugar: 5g

According to nutritional research, this southwest chicken salad recipe provides 58% of your daily protein needs and 32% of your daily fiber requirements in just one meal.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make this already nutritious salad even healthier? Try these modifications:

• Reduce sodium by 40% by using no-salt-added black beans and corn
• Boost protein by adding a sprinkle of quinoa (adds 4g protein per 1/4 cup)
• For a lower-carb option, replace the tortilla strips with toasted pumpkin seeds
• Make it vegan by substituting chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and adding extra black beans
• Use Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice instead of oil-based dressing to reduce calories and add probiotics

Serving Suggestions

This versatile southwest chicken salad recipe can be served in multiple ways:

• Wrap it in a whole grain tortilla for a portable lunch
• Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb dinner
• Pair with a small cup of tortilla soup for a hearty meal
• For entertaining, set up a salad bar with the components separately so guests can build their own bowls
• Follow with our Coconut Custard Pie Recipe for a complete meal experience

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-dressing the salad: Start with half the dressing, then add more as needed
• Adding avocado too early: Wait until just before serving to prevent browning
• Using wet lettuce: Dry your greens thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad
• Forgetting to rinse canned beans: This simple step reduces sodium by up to 40%
• Adding the tortilla strips too soon: They’ll get soggy if mixed in advance

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This southwest chicken salad recipe components can be prepped ahead:

• Store dressed salad (without avocado and tortilla strips) for up to 24 hours in an airtight container
• For meal prep, store all components separately: greens, vegetables, chicken, dressing, and toppings
• Add avocado and tortilla strips just before serving
• Pre-cooked chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days refrigerated
• The dressing will keep for up to one week in a sealed container in the refrigerator

Conclusion

This 15-minute southwest chicken salad recipe proves that nutritious and delicious meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and bold southwestern flavors, this versatile dish offers a solution for busy weeknights, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone looking to incorporate more fresh ingredients into their diet. Try making this salad tonight, and don’t forget to check out our Coconut Custard Pie Recipe for dessert! We’d love to hear how your salad turned out – share your experience in the comments below.