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Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad combines smoky grilled chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing for a hearty yet refreshing meal. Perfect for summer dinners, clean eating plans, or bold meal prep ideas, it’s a flavor-packed twist on traditional salads inspired by recetas mexicanas.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Southwest
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts (grilled or pan-seared)
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • southwest-style dressing or chipotle ranch, to taste
  • shredded cheese or tortilla strips (optional topping)

Equipment

  • grill or cast-iron skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • salad tongs

Method
 

  1. Rub chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lime. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, then slice thinly.
  2. Chop romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, slice avocado, and prep onion and jalapeño.
  3. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper to form the salad base.
  4. Top the salad mix with the sliced grilled chicken and avocado.
  5. Drizzle with your preferred Southwest dressing or chipotle ranch. Add lime juice for brightness.
  6. Finish with chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, or optional toppings like cheese or tortilla strips. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 38gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 1020mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5300IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

For added crunch, toss in tortilla strips or roasted sweet potatoes. Adjust spice by adding more or less jalapeño. Make vegetarian with grilled tofu or chickpeas. Keep dressing and avocado separate if meal prepping.

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