Description
Sizzling southwest chicken salad combines zesty flavors with a southwestern spirit, delivering a fresh culinary adventure. Crisp greens, tender grilled chicken, and bold spices create a perfect meal that satisfies your craving for a balanced, exciting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetable and Salad Base Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or your favorite mix)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken breasts with a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse deep southwestern flavors.
- Heat grill to medium temperature and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches safe doneness.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin, diagonal strips to maximize tenderness and presentation.
- Prepare a vibrant salad base by layering crisp mixed greens as the foundation.
- Strategically arrange colorful ingredients including juicy cherry tomatoes, protein-rich black beans, sweet corn kernels, creamy avocado slices, sharp red onion, tangy cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Craft a zesty dressing by whisking Greek yogurt with bright lime juice, smooth olive oil, and a balanced spice blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gently drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad, using light tossing motions to evenly distribute flavors without bruising delicate ingredients.
- Crown the salad with the perfectly grilled, sliced chicken strips to create a harmonious southwestern-inspired meal.
- Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant temperature contrast.
Notes
- Enhance chicken flavor by marinating in spices for 30 minutes before grilling to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- For gluten-free option, replace regular cheddar with dairy-free or goat cheese alternatives that complement Southwest flavors.
- Cut chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even seasoning and easier eating experience in the salad.
- Grill vegetables like corn and onions alongside chicken to add smoky depth and increase overall nutritional value of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern (American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg