A bold, zesty, protein-packed salad loaded with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed & drained)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional: tortilla strips or crushed nachos for crunch
For the Creamy Southwest Dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1 small garlic clove (minced)
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Rub chicken with olive oil, spices, salt, pepper, and lime juice
- Grill or pan-cook over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side
- Let rest, then slice into strips
2. Prepare the Dressing
- Whisk together yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, spices, and garlic
- Adjust salt and lime to taste
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, and onion
- Top with sliced chicken and shredded cheese
- Drizzle dressing over and toss gently
💡 Tips & Variations
- Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or steak
- Make it low-carb: skip corn & beans
- Add jalapeños for heat 🌶️
- Use air fryer chicken for a quick version
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~400–500
- Protein: 30–35g
- High in fiber & healthy fats
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Keep dressing separate and add avocado fresh.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt or a vinaigrette instead.
Q: What makes it “Southwest”?
The combo of lime, chili spices, beans, corn, and creamy dressing gives it that Tex-Mex flavor.