Description
This Southwest Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender marinated chicken with a flavorful avocado dressing, served over a bed of fresh romaine lettuce and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 limes (juiced and zested)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn (rinsed and drained)
- 1/3 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 large avocado
Avocado Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water (or more for thinner consistency)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, basil or parsley leaves
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Mix Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together two tablespoons of olive oil, with the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. You can also pulse in a food processor until it’s combined.
- Marinate: Combine the marinade and chicken fillets in a shallow dish or plastic bag. Marinate the chicken for 2-6 hours in the fridge.
- Blend Dressing: When the chicken is done marinating, make the avocado dressing. Place all the dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest: Let the cooked chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into strips.
- Combine Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce with beans, corn, tomatoes, and chicken strips. Drizzle the avocado dressing on top.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh.
- You can customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or crispy tortilla strips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing, Marinating, Searing
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad, Southwest Salad, Avocado Dressing, Healthy Salad