Description
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad brings bold Tex-Mex flavors dancing across your plate with crisp greens and tangy lime dressing. Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spice and freshness that will satisfy your southwestern cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup black beans
Vegetables and Produce:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/3 cup southwest ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup tortilla strips
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a vibrant southwestern marinade.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken breast with the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the zesty spices.
- Layer the chopped romaine lettuce as the foundation of the salad, creating a crisp green base.
- Distribute black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and red onion evenly across the lettuce for a colorful and textured composition.
- Gently place the marinated chicken on top of the vegetable medley, allowing the spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Drizzle southwest ranch dressing generously over the salad, ensuring a consistent coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and richness.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, creating a bright and aromatic finish.
- Crown the salad with creamy avocado slices, adding a smooth, buttery element to the dish.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, with an optional dollop of sour cream on the side for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the bold southwestern flavors.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing to reduce calories and boost protein content for a healthier alternative.
- Toast tortilla strips in the oven with a light spray of olive oil for a crispier texture and more controlled fat content.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to keep salad components fresh and prevent soggy lettuce, making meal planning easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg