Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
Experience vibrant flavors and effortless prep with this Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe—a colorful, protein-packed dish bursting with bold spices, fresh veggies, and irresistible texture. This crowd-pleasing salad is quick to assemble, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or lively potlucks. Enjoy a medley of smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and crisp greens all dressed in a zesty southwest vinaigrette.
Why This Southwest Chicken Salad Shines
This recipe is more than just a salad; it’s an explosion of taste and texture. The pairing of juicy, well-seasoned chicken with tangy, homemade dressing and a crunchy vegetable base brings both flavor and freshness to the table. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings and convenient for make-ahead meals.
Chicken Preparation Made Easy
Juicy and flavorful chicken is key. For consistently tender results, season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or sear until just cooked through—using a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking guarantees perfectly done chicken every time.
Save time shredding and keep the pieces uniformly sized by using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen. This ensures every bite has the right balance of herbs and seasoning.
Crisp, Colorful Veggies—Without the Hassle
Chopping an array of vegetables is a breeze with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. From crisp bell peppers and onions to juicy tomatoes, this tool speeds up prep and delivers consistent cuts for a visually stunning and texturally satisfying salad.
For corn, simply char fresh kernels in a skillet, or air fry canned/drained ones for added flavor. Use the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt for a sweet, roasted finish that takes minutes.
Assembly and Serving for Maximum Freshness
Combine the cooled, shredded chicken with fresh romaine or mixed greens, roasted corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and tortilla strips. Toss gently with a tangy lime-cilantro vinaigrette or your favorite southwest ranch. For portable meal prep or lunch on the go, pack your salad into a Bentgo Salad Container to keep ingredients crisp and perfectly portioned.
Nutritional Information and Portions
This recipe yields 4 hearty salad servings, each providing about 420 calories (excluding optional cheese and dressing). It’s gluten-free and packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant nutrients—making it an excellent, well-balanced meal.
Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe (Recap)
With a foundation of smoky, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and bright, adaptable flavors, this Southwest Chicken Salad is an ideal solution for energized lunches and satisfying suppers. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s sure to become a staple in your salad rotation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your grill, skillet, or COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to medium-high. Brush chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil and coat with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use your ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking for accuracy). Let rest, then shred using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist.
- Dice veggies quickly using your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. If using fresh corn, char briefly in a skillet or air-fry for 5 minutes for extra flavor.
- In a large bowl, toss together greens, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro. Top with shredded chicken, avocado, cheese (if using), and tortilla strips.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, or pack in a Bentgo Salad Container for a fresh, on-the-go meal.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes