Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish inspired by the bold tastes of Southwestern cuisine. It combines juicy, seasoned grilled or roasted chicken with crisp romaine or mixed greens, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips.
A zesty dressing—often a creamy cilantro-lime or smoky chipotle ranch—ties all the elements together, balancing freshness with richness. The salad’s appeal lies in its contrasting textures: tender chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and the crunch of tortilla strips.
This Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed meal loaded with grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, making it the perfect healthy meal for lunch or dinner.
With a delicious Tex-Mex flair, this salad is light yet satisfying, offering the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess. It’s also meal-prep friendly and can be customized with your favorite toppings!
This Southwest Chicken Salad is a nutritious and delicious Tex-Mex inspired meal, featuring seasoned grilled chicken, crisp romaine, fresh veggies, black beans, corn, and avocado. Topped with a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is bold in flavor yet simple to make!
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture.
Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or pan-sear for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Add water to thin the dressing, if needed.
In a large bowl, combine romaine, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheese.
Add sliced chicken and avocado on top.
Drizzle with the chipotle lime dressing and toss gently.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, or extra lime wedges!
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
For best freshness, store Southwest Chicken Salad components separately before combining. Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado should be prepped but stored dry and in separate containers to prevent sogginess.
If meal prepping, portion chicken, beans, and corn together in one container, and keep lettuce and dressing in separate containers. Avocado is best sliced fresh before eating to avoid browning, but you can toss it in lime juice if preparing ahead.
Dressing can be stored in a sealed jar for up to 5 days in the fridge. Tortilla strips should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
To serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients, add the dressing, and toss right before eating. For a portable lunch, layer ingredients in a mason jar—start with dressing at the bottom, then beans and corn, followed by chicken, and top with lettuce. Shake just before serving.
This approach ensures the salad stays crisp, flavorful, and fresh throughout the week without losing texture or taste.
In conclusion, Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Packed with juicy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, and tangy tomatoes, this salad is a satisfying and healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. The addition of creamy avocado, crunchy tortilla strips, and a zesty homemade cilantro-lime dressing elevates each bite, creating a harmonious balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and spicy elements. It’s the perfect blend of freshness and heartiness, making it ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or even a picnic.
What sets this salad apart is its versatility. It’s incredibly easy to customize based on your preferences. You can swap out the grilled chicken for shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different twist, or add extra toppings like cheese, olives, or jalapeños to amp up the flavor. The cilantro-lime dressing is a true star of the dish—its tangy brightness complements the smoky grilled chicken and the earthy beans, making every forkful feel like a celebration.
Not only is Southwest Chicken Salad delicious, but it’s also a great option for meal prep. The components can be assembled ahead of time, with the dressing stored separately to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. It’s a great dish to pack for lunch, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Whether you’re craving a light, yet filling meal or preparing for a family get-together, this salad checks all the boxes. With its bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and easy preparation, Southwest Chicken Salad is bound to become a go-to favorite. It’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs, offering a refreshing change from the usual salad routine.
