Southwestern Chicken Salad is a bold and flavorful dish packed with colorful veggies, grilled chicken, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together. This salad combines the smoky flavors of cumin and chili powder with the freshness of ingredients like corn, black beans, and avocado, making it both satisfying and healthy. Whether served as a light lunch or a main course, this vibrant salad offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, giving you a taste of the Southwest in every bite. It’s also easy to customize, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.
Southwestern Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, then drizzle with lime juice. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Toss everything gently to mix.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Serve: Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Toss to coat, or serve with the dressing on the side.
This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a perfect balance of hearty ingredients and fresh, vibrant flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal.