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Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

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  • Author: Jake
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop or Grill
  • Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, zesty dish loaded with smoky grilled chicken, crisp greens, creamy avocado, black beans, and a kick of heat. Tossed with a tangy Southwest dressing, itโ€™s a healthy and satisfying meal thatโ€™s perfect for lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • Tortilla strips (for garnish, optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Arrange mixed greens in a large serving bowl or individual plates. Top with cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado slices, shredded cheese, red onion, and sliced chicken.
  5. Add Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the Southwest dressing over the salad. Garnish with tortilla strips if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a smoky twist, grill the corn before adding it to the salad.
  • Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the dressing for a richer flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg