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Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. 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.
  2. Marinate: Combine the marinade and chicken fillets in a shallow dish or plastic bag. Marinate the chicken for 2-6 hours in the fridge.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Rest: Let the cooked chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into strips.
  6. 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