Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad
This refreshing Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. Packed with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies, it’s tossed with a tangy lime dressing, making it an ideal healthy meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained if canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, or spinach)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
- Toss the salad mixture with the dressing until everything is well coated.
- Top the salad with sliced chicken and mixed greens. Toss again gently and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle some tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips on top before serving.
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately to avoid wilting the greens.
Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/zesty-southwest-chicken-salad/
