Description
High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish combining lean chicken breast with fresh vegetables, fiber-rich black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. This quick and easy salad delivers satisfying protein and bold Southwest flavors, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts (lean, tender, and easy to cook)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
Dressing & Spices
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus pinch for dressing)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly on a grill or stove until golden and juicy. Let rest before slicing or shredding to maintain tenderness.
- Mix the Fresh Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced avocado, and finely chopped red onion to create a variety of textures and fresh flavors.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, a pinch of chili powder, and salt. This simple dressing enhances and ties all the vibrant components with its tangy and aromatic profile.
- Assemble the Salad: Toss the cooked chicken into the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Final Touches: Optionally, garnish with extra fresh cilantro or serve with lime wedges on the side for an additional burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh veggies and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overcooking chicken; remove from heat once it reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.
- Prep chicken and vegetables ahead of time to save time during meal preparation.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin to your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier dressing, mash some avocado and blend it in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling, Stove Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: high protein, southwest, chicken salad, healthy salad, gluten free, quick dinner, nutritious, lean protein, zesty dressing
