Description
This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and protein-packed meal perfect for a fast and nutritious lunch or dinner. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty, homemade southwestern dressing, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome salad with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or canned and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced or shredded cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to combine all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a flavorful southwestern dressing.
- Add Lettuce and Cheese: Add the chopped romaine lettuce and shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese to the large bowl with the other salad ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of all components.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing, enhancing the flavors and textures.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest texture and vibrant taste.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or salad.
- To make the salad lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for part of the ranch dressing.
- If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
