It’s a delightful afternoon, the sun is golden, and the scents of summer ingredients dance through the air. Nothing says cozy like a Southwest Chicken Salad, bursting with flavors and colors that warm the heart. The crunch of fresh veggies, the smoky char of grilled chicken, and the zesty hit of chipotle-lime dressing come together in a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Imagine sitting around the table with loved ones, laughter mingling with the aroma of good food, it’s moments like these that we cherish.
Southwest Chicken Salad
A vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad filled with crunchy veggies, grilled chicken, and a zesty chipotle-lime dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn, fresh or frozen
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chipotle-lime dressing
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Grill on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, sweet corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add sliced chicken to the mixing bowl and drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later, keeping the dressing separate if prepping ahead.
Notes
For the best flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, lime juice, and garlic for at least an hour before grilling. Slice avocado just before serving to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Let’s Make It Together
Preparing this Southwest Chicken Salad is a breeze and just as inviting as a sunny afternoon on your porch. From marinating the chicken to crunching into those fresh veggies, I promise you will feel the love in every step. Let’s gather our ingredients and dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn, fresh or frozen
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chipotle-lime dressing
Step-by-Step Directions
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of your favorite spices. I love to add a touch of smoked paprika for that extra depth of flavor. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until it’s perfectly cooked and has those beautiful grill marks. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps keep it juicy.
- While the chicken rests, take a large mixing bowl and combine your black beans that have been drained and rinsed, sweet corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes. The colors and textures all work together like a beautiful summer day.
- Once your chicken has cooled a bit, slice it thinly and add it to the big bowl of goodness. Drizzle the chipotle-lime dressing over everything, tossing gently to combine. You want to help the dressing mingle with all those lovely ingredients — it ties them together deliciously!
- Serve the salad immediately for that fresh crunch, or if you want to prep ahead, cover it tightly and refrigerate for later enjoyment. Just keep that dressing separate if you’re keeping it for a day or two, so everything stays crisp and vibrant.
Nutritional Snapshot
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 10g
Packed with protein and fiber, this salad keeps you feeling satisfied without any heaviness. It’s a perfect choice for a wholesome meal that lets you enjoy good food and good company.
Perfect Pairings
This Southwest Chicken Salad is perfect for a family dinner on a warm evening, or it can be a stunning centerpiece for a backyard barbecue. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips and a refreshing lemonade for a fun twist, or serve it alongside a warm, cheesy quesadilla for a meal that feels like a party on your plate.
Keep It Fresh
To ensure your Southwest Chicken Salad stays vibrant and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to enjoy it beyond that time frame, consider freezing the grilled chicken separately. When you want to enjoy the salad again, simply thaw and slice the chicken before adding it to your fresh veggies.
Betty’s Secrets
- For the best grilled chicken, try marinating it for at least an hour before cooking. A simple mix of olive oil, lime juice, and garlic takes it to a whole new level.
- There’s a lovely texture contrast in every bite, so I suggest slicing the avocado just before serving. It stays creamy and delightful that way.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle over some crushed red pepper flakes. A little heat will elevate the flavors beautifully!
- Can’t find fresh corn? No problem! Frozen sweet corn works wonders and provides that lovely sweetness without all the hassle.
Creative Twists
- For a seasonal spin, swap out the black beans for roasted butternut squash in the fall. It brings a lovely sweetness and complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Add in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of brightness and freshness that really enhances the flavor profile.
- If it’s summertime, toss in some juicy diced peaches. The sweetness against the savory chicken is a match made in heaven!
Your Questions Answered
How can I make Southwest Chicken Salad more filling? Try adding quinoa or farro for extra texture and heartiness. A sprinkle of cheese can also give it that satisfying richness.
What dressing works best? We love chipotle-lime for its kick, but a classic ranch or a tangy vinaigrette also compliments the salad beautifully.
Can I use canned chicken instead of grilling? Yes, canned chicken is a great time-saver! Just make sure to drain it well and mix it in with the other ingredients for a quick meal.
How long will this salad keep? When stored properly in the fridge, it lasts about 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you’re meal prepping for longer freshness!