Southwestern Chicken Salad

This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a vibrant and hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor. Featuring seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and a smoky chipotle ranch dressing, it’s the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and freshness. Whether you’re in the mood for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner, this 30-minute salad is quick, easy, and packed with bold, savory flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southwestern Chicken Salad is everything you want in a meal: nutritious, delicious, and filling. The smoky and spicy chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy chipotle ranch dressing, while the variety of fresh vegetables adds color and crunch to every bite. With the addition of black beans, corn, and avocado, this salad offers a great balance of textures and flavors, making it both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a perfect go-to recipe when you’re craving something healthy and hearty but still want it to be quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds, 1/2-inch thick)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 chipotle pepper with adobo, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Salad:

• 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 1/2 cups corn (fresh or frozen, thawed)

• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 1/2 cups pepper Jack cheese, shredded

• 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 cup tortilla strips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine all the spices for the chicken and mix well.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss with the spice mixture until fully coated.

3. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the grill and let rest.

4. In a small bowl, mix together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.

5. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin slices.

6. In a large bowl, combine the Romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, pepper Jack cheese, yellow bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing.

7. Garnish with tortilla strips and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like roasted sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini, or a hearty grain like quinoa for a vegetarian version of this salad.

• Grilled Shrimp: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.

• Dressing Alternative: If you prefer a lighter dressing, swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative without compromising on creaminess.

• Spicy: Add extra chipotle peppers or sprinkle chili powder over the chicken for a spicier kick.

• Different Cheese: Try swapping the pepper Jack cheese for cheddar, cotija, or feta for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing should be kept separately and can be stored in a jar for up to a week.

• Reheating: The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet if desired. However, this salad is best enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just make sure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Add the dressing and tortilla strips just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Is the chipotle ranch dressing spicy?

The chipotle ranch dressing has a smoky heat, but it’s not overly spicy. If you want a milder dressing, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper, or leave it out completely.

Can I use a store-bought dressing for this salad?

Yes, you can use a store-bought ranch or chipotle dressing, though making your own gives it an extra depth of flavor and freshness.

What can I substitute for the tortilla strips?

If you don’t have tortilla strips, you can use crumbled tortilla chips, homemade baked chips, or even crunchy roasted chickpeas for added texture.

How do I make this salad lower in calories?

To make the salad lighter, use a lighter dressing (such as Greek yogurt-based dressing), reduce the amount of cheese, and skip the tortilla strips or replace them with baked chips.

Can I make the dressing spicier?

Yes, you can add more chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing if you like a spicier flavor.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly well for this salad. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad.

How do I store the leftovers?

Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, or avocado for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

The Southwestern Chicken Salad is a flavorful and filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With a smoky, spicy chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing, this salad is both satisfying and delicious. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a special gathering. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it spicier, lighter, or packed with more veggies. This salad is a keeper!

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