Southwest Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish packed with fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and seasoned chicken, all topped with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s bursting with bold flavors, thanks to a mix of spices and fresh herbs, making it a perfect option for a nutritious lunch or dinner. Serve it on its own or with tortilla chips for extra crunch!
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped mixed greens, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Top with chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the salad. Add tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with dressing:
- Drizzle the salad with the prepared dressing and toss everything together to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the Southwest Salad immediately and enjoy its bold, zesty flavors.
This Southwest Salad is a fresh, filling, and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion, with its delicious combination of textures and spices!