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Southwest Chicken Salad: A Flavorful and Healthy Recipe for Your Next Meal


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Grilled Chicken Salad features juicy grilled chicken, fresh greens, and a variety of colorful vegetables, all drizzled with a tangy lime dressing. It’s a nutritious and flavorful option for a light meal, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing or your favorite dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s clean and lightly oiled.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch on a cutting board.
  3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  4. Rub the marinade all over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving it, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  7. In a large salad bowl, add mixed salad greens.
  8. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the salad bowl.
  9. If using fresh corn, grill it alongside the chicken. For frozen corn, thaw and drain; for canned corn, rinse and drain. Add to the salad bowl.
  10. Rinse and drain black beans, then add to the bowl.
  11. Dice the avocado and add it to the salad.
  12. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the mix.
  13. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the salad.
  14. Chop fresh cilantro and add it to the salad.
  15. Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and add it on top of the salad.
  16. Drizzle lime juice over the salad.
  17. Add your choice of dressing and toss gently to combine.

Notes

  • For added flavor, marinate the chicken for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
  • Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or toppings.
  • If you prefer a different dressing, a vinaigrette or spicy chipotle dressing works well.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes