If you’re looking for a delicious homemade recipe with crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty side, you’ll definitely love the Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad.
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zesty Southwest Chicken Salad: A Flavorful Recipe
When it comes to cooking a meal that’s packed with fresh protein, rich in flavor, and a wonderful dish that’s just as vibrant, the homemade zesty Southwest Chicken Salad recipe is a great one.
This can be a must-have recipe, perfect for dinner, a light lunch, or for those meal-prepping days. This zesty Southwest Chicken Salad recipe combines succulent grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade dressing.
The best part is that this dish is incredibly nutritious and healthy, with a rich flavor that’s just like any Southwest restaurant dish. This article provides simple, step-by-step instructions.
Why is this delicious Southwest Chicken Salad so popular?
- This dish has a vibrant flavor that blends tangy, smoky, spicy, and creamy.
- It’s a filling and highly nutritious dish, packed with fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Customizable, allowing you to customize the toppings and seasonings.
- Very easy to prepare, as you can make it in advance and enjoy it for several days.
All the ingredients you need for Southwest Chicken Salad:
Chicken Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large skinless and boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salad Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, freshly canned or roasted
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped or mixed greens
Dressing Ingredients: Creamy Southwest
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken
- Take a small bowl and combine the ingredients in the quantities indicated:
- olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Mix the mixture well before pouring the marinade over the chicken breasts, then marinate for 20 to 22 minutes.
- For a more flavorful marinade, refrigerate for 2 hours.
Important Tip: Keep in mind that marinating chicken for longer will make it more flavorful and juicy.
2. Cooking the Chicken
- To cook the chicken, use an outdoor grill or grill pan and preheat it to medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on all sides, until golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool at room temperature for 5 to 7 minutes, then chop.
- Optional – If you don’t want to grill or don’t have one, you can sear the chicken in a pan.
3. Preparing the Salad Base
- Use a large bowl and add chopped romaine lettuce.
- Layer corn, cherry tomatoes, onions, black beans, bell peppers, cheese, avocado, and cilantro.
- Important Tip: If you want more crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips on top.
4. Making the Dressing
- Take a bowl and add mayonnaise, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and seasonings. Whisk them together thoroughly.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste, such as adding red pepper for spiciness or lemon juice for spiciness.
5. Preparing the Salad
- To enhance this classic salad, follow these steps:
- First, finely chop the leftover chicken into strips.
- Place it evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle a generous amount of creamy Southwest dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss the ingredients together with your hands to combine and serve immediately.
Some Serving Suggestions:
- Main Dishes – This dish is great for lunch or dinner with cornbread.
- Meal Prep – Store ingredients in separate containers so you can taste the flavors and assemble them at the table before eating.
- For Wraps – Use large tortillas to wrap your salad tightly in Southwest Chicken Wraps, making this flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad a wonderful meal.
Some Suggestions and Variations:
For More Protein – If you’re looking for more protein, consider using steak, shrimp, or grilled tofu instead of chicken.
Seasoning – You can use your favorite red chili powder and chili powder.
Additional Toppings – For a Southwest flavor, add roasted poblano peppers or pickled onions.
To Make It Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free avocado, yogurt, or dressing.
To make it more nutritious – If you want to fill your bowl and make it more nutritious, pair it with quinoa, rice, or couscous.
Storage:
- In the refrigerator, the salad and chicken without dressing can be stored in separate airtight containers for 3 to 4 days.
- With dressing, you can store them in a mason jar for 7 to 8 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: The salad is not as restrictive in its ingredients, but the grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Nutrition per 4 servings:
- 380 calories
- 18 grams of fat
- 32 grams of protein
- 7 grams of fiber
- 24 grams of carbohydrates
- Nutritional values vary depending on the quantity of ingredients.
FAQ, Flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad
Q. Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Yes, of course! You should avoid using chicken; instead, use grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use dairy-free yogurt for the dressing.
Q. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made in advance, about 5 to 7 days in advance, refrigerate, and shake well before using.
Q. Is Southwest Chicken Salad healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with lean protein and fiber, making this a nutritious and balanced meal.
Q. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great addition to busy days because rotisserie chicken is quick and easy to prepare. Be sure to season with chili powder and lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
Q. How to make this recipe for kids?
For children, you can use minimal or no spices, and add a light topping like grated cheese or tortilla strips.
Final Thoughts
A delicious Southwest Chicken Salad is a perfect balance of flavor, freshness, and nutrition, perfect for everyone. This dish is perfect for a quick meal on busy days or at the weekend. It’s perfect for hosting a family lunch or packing lunches for friends, and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
The colorful vegetables, smoky grilled chicken, and creamy dressing make every bite delicious and irresistible.
Gather your ingredients and preheat your grill to make this delicious Southwest Chicken Salad recipe. Then, enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with your family at the table.