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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
    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Using a meat mallet or a heavy skillet (cast iron works best), pound each chicken breast to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl or zip-top storage bag. Add all remaining ingredients for the marinade.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Working in 2 batches, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. 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.
  7. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and repeat the same steps with the remaining 2 chicken breasts.
  8. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve in salad when ready.
To make the cilantro-lime dressing
  1. Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
To assemble the salad
  1. Place the chopped romaine lettuce in salad bowls and top with cherry tomatoes, beans, corn, red onion and sliced chicken.
  2. 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.

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