Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Quick Southwest Chicken Salad. Packed with fresh ingredients, grilled chicken, and a zesty Southwest-inspired dressing, this salad is not only a satisfying meal but also a nourishing choice for any day of the week.

This Southwest Chicken Salad combines a variety of vibrant ingredients, including crisp romaine lettuce, avocado, corn, and black beans. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices, giving it a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the veggies. Top it off with a creamy and tangy dressing, and you have a salad that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a meal prep option for the week.

With its bold flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients, this Southwest Chicken Salad is perfect for anyone who wants a healthy, tasty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weekday lunch or enjoying it as a light dinner, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes.
✅ Packed with Protein – Grilled chicken and black beans make it a filling meal.
✅ Fresh Ingredients – Crisp greens, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing bring this salad to life.
✅ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, cilantro, or jalapeños.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Low in calories, high in fiber and protein.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients (in grams)

For 4 servings, you’ll need:

For the Salad:

500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
1 teaspoon chili powder (2g)
1 teaspoon cumin (2g)
½ teaspoon paprika (1g)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
½ teaspoon salt (3g)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (200g)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g)
1 cup corn kernels (120g), fresh or frozen
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (160g)
1 ripe avocado, diced (150g)
¼ red onion, thinly sliced (40g)
¼ cup cilantro, chopped (15g)

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (30g)
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 tablespoon lime juice (15ml)
1 tablespoon honey (20g)
1 teaspoon chili powder (2g)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and are golden brown.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced avocado, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, and garlic powder.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 6g

(Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Southwest Chicken Salad

✔️ Grill or Sauté the Chicken – You can either grill the chicken on a BBQ or sauté it in a pan, depending on your preference. The grill adds a smoky flavor, but sautéing works just as well.

✔️ Customize the Dressing – If you prefer a creamier dressing, add more Greek yogurt or substitute it with sour cream. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

✔️ Make it Spicy – If you like things spicy, add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the salad for an extra kick.

✔️ Use Leftover Chicken – This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken from a previous meal. Just slice it up and add it to the salad for an even quicker meal.

✔️ Add Cheese – Top the salad with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or cotija for added richness.

Delicious Variations to Try

🍗 Chicken and Steak Combo – Add steak or ground beef to the salad along with the chicken for a hearty twist.

🌶️ Southwest Chicken Salad with Roasted Vegetables – Add roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for a warm and flavorful variation.

🥑 Spicy Avocado Southwest Salad – Blend some jalapeños into the dressing or add sliced spicy avocado for a bit of heat.

🥬 Southwest Chicken Salad Wrap – For a lighter option, skip the lettuce and wrap everything in a whole wheat tortilla for a portable Southwest Chicken Salad wrap.

What to Serve with Southwest Chicken Salad

🌽 With Cornbread – Serve the salad with a slice of warm cornbread on the side for a comforting combination.

🍞 With Tortilla Chips – Add some crunch by serving the salad with tortilla chips or crumbled corn chips on top.

🍚 With Cilantro Rice – Serve alongside some fluffy cilantro lime rice for a complete meal.

🥑 With Guacamole – If you’re a fan of avocado, serve the salad with a side of fresh guacamole for dipping.

How to Store & Reheat Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

🛑 Store – Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days; however, the dressing and avocado should be eaten within 1-2 days for best freshness.

🔥 Reheat – If you have leftover chicken, you can gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. However, avoid reheating the salad, as the lettuce and avocado will wilt.

🧊 Freeze – This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the avocado and dressing, but you can freeze the grilled chicken separately for future use.