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Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad with grilled chicken, black beans, and creamy dressing

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad: The Ultimate Flavor Explosion for Every Meal

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A fresh, bold, and protein-packed salad featuring juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, black beans, roasted corn, creamy avocado, and a tangy Southwest dressing. Perfect for meal prep or lively gatherings.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 cups romaine or mixed greens, chopped
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn (roasted or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup tortilla strips
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Brush chicken with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thin.
  • In a large salad bowl, layer greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and cheese.
  • Top with sliced chicken and tortilla strips.
  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
  • Drizzle salad with dressing just before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime if desired.

Notes

  • To make ahead, keep salad, chicken, and dressing separate until ready to serve.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for roasted sweet potato or extra beans.
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grill or Bake
  • Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex