Fresh Southwestern Chicken Salad
This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a delicious homemade recipe that combines juicy grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado lime dressing. Packed with bold southwestern flavors like smoked paprika and cumin, it’s a vibrant and healthy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick dinner, this salad is satisfying and easy to make from scratch.
Discover a quick and easy Southwestern Chicken Salad recipe loaded with fresh flavors, grilled chicken, and creamy avocado dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
- Big payoff, low effort: You get rich, familiar flavors without complicated preparation.
- Weeknight- and guest-worthy: Perfect for family dinners or when entertaining.
- Made with real-life pantry staples: Simple ingredients mean minimal shopping trips.
- Easy to customize: Swap ingredients to match your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Southwestern Chicken Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavor
Fresh Southwestern Chicken Salad - Ingredients
How to Make Easy Homemade Southwestern Chicken Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavor
Fresh Southwestern Chicken Salad - Final Result
Easy Homemade Southwestern Chicken Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavor
Discover a quick and easy Southwestern Chicken Salad recipe loaded with fresh flavors, grilled chicken, and creamy avocado dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Avocado Lime Dressing
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, to thin if needed
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub olive oil over chicken breasts and season evenly with the spice blend.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired drizzling consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and red onion. Add sliced grilled chicken on top.
- Add Toppings and Dressing: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and diced avocado over the salad. Drizzle with avocado lime dressing just before serving.
- Serve Immediately: For best freshness and texture, serve this salad right away. Enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh southwestern flavors!
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes & Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the chicken rub.
- Substitute grilled shrimp or steak for chicken, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Use canned corn and beans for convenience, but fresh is always best if available.
- To store: Keep salad ingredients separate from dressing and avocado until ready to serve to avoid sogginess and browning.
- Leftover grilled chicken is perfect for wraps or sandwiches the next day.