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Southwest Chicken Salad


  • Author: Dianna
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Southwest Chicken Salad:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), grilled or sautéed
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Salad:
    • 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or your choice)
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
    • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for sweetness)
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • For the Dressing:
    • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

    1. Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for that delicious flavor.
    2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’re using a grill, those lovely char marks will add even more flavor!
    3. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.

    Step 2: Assemble the Salad

    1. Prepare the Base: In a large salad bowl, place the mixed greens as your base. This will provide a fresh crunch and a beautiful presentation.
    2. Add the Veggies: Layer on the cherry tomatoes, corn, diced bell pepper, avocado, and red onion. Don’t be shy; pile them high! The more color, the better!
    3. Add the Chicken: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad. Feel free to add more seasoning if desired.

    Step 3: Make the Dressing

    1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. The Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture while keeping it lighter than traditional dressings.
    2. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning or lime juice as needed. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

    Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

    1. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. This way, the greens stay crisp and fresh. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
    2. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for an added burst of flavor and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this bright, flavorful salad!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 30g