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Southwest Chicken Salad

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This Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with black beans, corn, and avocado for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or your favorite mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

For the Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:

In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).

Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

2️⃣ Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl or serving platter, layer mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado slices, red onion, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.

3️⃣ Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Combine:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly.

Top with sliced grilled chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Add crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch!
  • Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer dressing.
  • Store leftovers separately to keep the salad fresh.

Find it online: https://richspoon.com/southwest-chicken-salad/