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Southwest Chicken Salad

Tender and juicy chicken breast served over a variety of fresh vegetables, and tossed with a simple garlic lemon marinade, it is easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 571 kcal
Course: Main Course , Salad
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For chicken and marinade:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 lime juiced, and zested
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Salad:
  • 4 cups packed romaine lettuce or 1 large head chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 ounces black beans one can, rinsed and drained
  • 8 ounces corn one can, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large avocado chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
DRESSING:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 lime juiced and zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish and add 1 tbsp of the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 lime juice plus zest, 3-4 cloves garlic, and seasonings (1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper). Rub the chicken well, then cover the dish and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes over the counter. If time allows, you can marinate in the fridge overnight.
  2. Meanwhile, combine all dressing ingredients (1/4 cup olive oil, 1 lime, 2 cloves garlic, and kosher salt and ground black pepper)into a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
  3. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add the other 1 tbsp of oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow the chicken to slightly cool, then slice it.
  4. While the chicken cools, add all the salad ingredients to a bowl. (4 cups packed romaine lettuce or 1 large head, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces black beans, 8 ounces corn, 1 red onion, 1 large avocado, and 1/4 cup cilantro)
  5. Top with juicy chicken and drizzle the dressing over.
  6. Toss to combine then serve. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Chicken: using lean chicken breast is ideal, but you may use boneless chicken thighs. Want to sway the chicken with salmon or shrimp go right ahead.
  • Lettuce: I used romaine, but you can use head lettuce or a combination of greens.
  • Use fresh vegetables for the best flavors. 
  • Swap olive with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
  • You may substitute the lime with lemons.

Nutrition Information

Calories 571kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 42g (14%) Protein 34g (68%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 72mg (24%) Sodium 1028mg (43%) Potassium 1381mg (39%) Fiber 13g (52%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 4952IU (99%) Vitamin C 42mg (47%) Calcium 85mg (9%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 571

% Daily Value*

Calories 571kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 42g 14%
Protein 34g 68%
Fat 32g 49%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Sodium 1028mg 43%
Potassium 1381mg 29%
Fiber 13g 52%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 4952IU 99%
Vitamin C 42mg 47%
Calcium 85mg 9%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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