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A colorful bowl of Quick Southwest Chicken Salad with grilled chicken, corn, black beans, avocado, and fresh cilantro on a bed of greens.

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

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Enjoy a vibrant and flavorful Quick Southwest Chicken Salad, perfect for a quick, healthy meal. This zesty chicken bowl combines seasoned grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, delivering a satisfying and nutritious experience for lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

  • 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the dressing:

  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Drizzle with olive oil and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Prepare your vegetables by halving cherry tomatoes, slicing avocado, and rinsing black beans. Arrange greens or lettuce in a large salad bowl.
  4. Whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  5. Top the greens with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp greens for optimal texture.
  • Marinate the chicken for added flavor.
  • Customize with toppings like jalapeños or extra avocado.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling, Assembling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg