Southwest Chicken Salad

why make this recipe

Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that brings together a mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, especially on warm days. The combination of grilled chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and fresh veggies makes it satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s quick to make, making it ideal for busy weeks.

how to make Southwest Chicken Salad

Ingredients :

  • Grilled chicken
  • Black beans
  • Sweet corn
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Avocado
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Chipotle-lime dressing

Directions :

  1. Grill the chicken until fully cooked and slice it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, black beans, corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing and toss to combine.
  4. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep.
Southwest Chicken Salad

how to serve Southwest Chicken Salad

Serve the Southwest Chicken Salad in a bowl or on a plate. It’s great on its own, or you can add tortilla chips for some crunch. A slice of lime on the side can enhance the flavor even more.

how to store Southwest Chicken Salad

You can store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 days. If you have dressed salad, it’s best to eat it within a day or two for optimal taste.

tips to make Southwest Chicken Salad

  • Use leftover grilled chicken to save time.
  • Feel free to add other ingredients, like bell peppers or onions, for extra flavor.
  • Make extra dressing and keep it stored separately to keep the salad fresh longer.

variation (if any)

You can create a vegetarian version by leaving out the chicken and adding extra beans or protein, like quinoa. You could also try different dressings like ranch or a salsa dressing for a new twist.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned black beans work perfectly! Just drain and rinse them before adding to the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and just toss them together when you’re ready to eat. This makes it great for meal prep!

Southwest Chicken Salad

A vibrant and healthy dish combining grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American, Southwestern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 2 cups Grilled chicken Can use leftover grilled chicken to save time.
  • 1 can Black beans Use canned beans, drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup Sweet corn Fresh or canned corn can be used.
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce Chopped.
  • 1 medium Avocado Diced.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • 1/2 cup Chipotle-lime dressing Store-bought or homemade.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Grill the chicken until fully cooked and slice it.
  • In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, black beans, corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
  • Drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing and toss to combine.

Serving

  • Serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep.
  • It’s great on its own, or you can add tortilla chips for some crunch. A slice of lime on the side can enhance the flavor even more.

Notes

You can store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. If the salad is dressed, it’s best eaten within a day or two for optimal taste. Feel free to add other ingredients, like bell peppers or onions, for extra flavor. Make extra dressing and store it separately to keep the salad fresh longer. For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and add extra beans or quinoa. Try different dressings for new twists.
Keyword Grilled Chicken Salad, Healthy Salad, Meal Prep, Quick recipe, Southwest Chicken Salad