Description
This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender grilled chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, beans, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It’s a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until fully cooked and golden brown. Let rest before slicing.
- Assemble the Salad: Combine greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cheese, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Finalize the Salad: Add sliced chicken to the salad, drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve with extra lime juice if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, skip the cheese or use a vinaigrette-style dressing.
- You can also use grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken.
- Store leftovers with dressing on the side to keep the greens fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg