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Quick & Easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad with Homemade Cilantro-Lime Ranch

A vibrant bowl of Southwest salad featuring grilled chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and creamy avocado dressing.
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Make this vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad for a fast dinner or healthy meal prep. It features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty, homemade cilantro-lime ranch dressing.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)
  • For the Cilantro-Lime Ranch Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2–4 tablespoons water, to thin

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove, let rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred.
  2. Prepare the dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired pouring consistency.
  3. Assemble the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, rinsed black beans, corn, and halved cherry tomatoes.
  4. Build the salad bowls: Divide the lettuce mixture among four bowls. Top each bowl evenly with the cooked chicken, diced avocado, and crumbled cheese, if using.
  5. Serve: Drizzle generously with the homemade cilantro-lime ranch dressing. This salad is great for meal prep; store the dressing separately until ready to eat.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the chicken seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for many diets.
  • If you are preparing this for meal prep, keep the avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/southwest-salad-quick-easy-spicy-chicken-recipe/