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Southwest Chicken Salad
Southwest Chicken Salad made from chili lime marinated chicken, cilantro lime dressing, black beans, corn, avocados, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
54 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 502 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
For the chicken and marinade
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, for the marinade
- 4 tablespoons lime juice (about the juice of 2 limes)
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder (if you don’t have ancho chili powder, just use regular)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, for cooking chicken
For the salad
- 4-6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked black beans (canned is perfect)
- 1 cup cooked corn (canned is perfect)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
For the cilantro-lime dressing
- 1 cup cilantro, packed
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about the juice of 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
To make the chicken
- Line a large cutting board with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Lay chicken breasts on top in a single layer, and then cover with another piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Using a meat mallet or a heavy skillet (cast iron works best), pound each chicken breast to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Transfer the chicken to a large bowl or zip-top storage bag. Add all remaining ingredients for the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Working in 2 batches, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and shake off any excess. Transfer to hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on both sides, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F and is fully cooked.
- Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and repeat the same steps with the remaining 2 chicken breasts.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve in salad when ready.
Cup of Yum
To make the cilantro-lime dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
To assemble the salad
- Place the chopped romaine lettuce in salad bowls and top with cherry tomatoes, beans, corn, red onion and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing and serve.
Notes
- To store, keep the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- For the best flavor, leave the chicken to marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours. It shouldn’t be left any longer or else the acid will start to affect the texture of the meat.
- Want to make a vegan southwest salad? Replace the chicken with a plant-based alternative, chickpeas, or roasted sweet potatoes instead.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
502kcal
(25%)
Carbohydrates
39g
(13%)
Protein
37g
(74%)
Fat
24g
(37%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
74mg
(25%)
Sodium
1367mg
(57%)
Potassium
1447mg
(41%)
Fiber
11g
(44%)
Sugar
12g
(24%)
Vitamin A
5879IU
(118%)
Vitamin C
42mg
(47%)
Calcium
117mg
(12%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 502
% Daily Value*
Serving | 1serving | |
Calories | 502kcal | 25% |
Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
Protein | 37g | 74% |
Fat | 24g | 37% |
Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
Sodium | 1367mg | 57% |
Potassium | 1447mg | 31% |
Fiber | 11g | 44% |
Sugar | 12g | 24% |
Vitamin A | 5879IU | 118% |
Vitamin C | 42mg | 47% |
Calcium | 117mg | 12% |
Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.