Go Back
+ servings
This delicious Southwest Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor! Chock full of greens, tender chicken, avocado, beans, and corn, this healthy recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Southwest Chicken Salad

This delicious Southwest Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor! Chock full of greens, tender chicken, avocado, beans, and corn, this healthy recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 2 large salads
Calories 730 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken + Marinade (optional but highly recommended)

  • 2 chicken breasts butterflied if large
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 lime juiced and zested
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp Mexican oregano or regular oregano

Dressing:

  • 2 medium avocado
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves loosely packed
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 lime juiced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2-3 tbsp cold water add more or less based on your preferred dressing consistency.

Salad:

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • ½ cup cojita cheese crumbled
  • ½ red onion sliced
  • Tortilla strips

Instructions
 

  • In a large ziplock bag or bowl, combine all chicken ingredients together. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.
  • Spray a grill pan or skillet with cooking spray, and heat on medium. Add the chicken breasts, and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side (you may have to do this in batches depending on how large your pan is). Ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees, then set aside to rest.
  • While the chicken is cooking, add all dressing ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  • Slice the chicken, then assemble your salads with the remaining ingredients. Serve!

Notes

  • Nutrition values calculated based on using 2 6-ounce chicken breasts, then adding 2 heaping tablespoons of dressing.
  • The dressing for this salad is very thick like ranch, but you can add as much water as you need to until it reaches desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1large salad + 2 tablespoons dressingCalories: 730kcalCarbohydrates: 53.4gProtein: 58.9gFat: 33.9gCholesterol: 154.9mgSodium: 1207.9mgFiber: 19.8gSugar: 10.3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!