Description
Experience a burst of vibrant flavors with this Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad! Tender, seasoned chicken mingles with crisp greens, sweet corn, and zesty lime for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer picnics or light lunches. This salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Enjoy the delightful crunch and satisfying taste in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 cup fresh corn (or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups romaine or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper before cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for approximately 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, diced chicken, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black beans, and cilantro if using. Drizzle lime juice over the top and toss gently.
- If using avocado, slice it just before serving to maintain freshness and gently fold it into the salad.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg