Name: Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 cups mixed greens; 1 cup cooked corn kernels; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp honey; 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Craving a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s both healthy and satisfying? This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is your answer! Packed with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or meal prepping for the week. Inspired by the bold flavors of the Southwest, this salad is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a protein-packed, nutrient-rich meal.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is destined to become a new favorite! Here are just a few reasons why:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes.
Flavor Explosion: A delightful blend of spice and freshness.
Protein-Packed: Keeps you full and satisfied.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences.
Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients.

This salad is simple to prepare, and the aroma while the chicken cooks is simply irresistible!

Ingredients Needed for Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious salad:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed greens
1 cup (160g) cooked corn kernels
1 cup (170g) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (30ml) lime juice
1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, lightly toast the chili powder and cumin in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the chicken.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe – A delightful mix of smoky BBQ flavors and fresh veggies.

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these items on hand before you start:

- Oven: For baking the chicken.
- Oven-safe skillet: A 10-inch skillet is ideal for searing and baking.
- Large bowl: To toss the salad ingredients.
- Small bowl or jar: For whisking the dressing.

Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad with colorful vegetables.

Knife & Cutting board: For chopping veggies and slicing the chicken.
Whisk: To emulsify the dressing.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is easily scalable. Double the recipe for a crowd, or halve it for a solo meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This creates a delicious crust and helps seal in the juices.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Prepare the Salad

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes.
Toss gently to combine.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra lime juice can brighten the flavors.

Assemble the Salad

Add the sliced or shredded chicken to the salad bowl.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

CHECK OUT: Thai Chicken Salad – Another fantastic chicken salad with a completely different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is a success:

- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the salad.
- Taste and Adjust the Dressing: The dressing is key to this salad. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Don’t Dress the Salad Too Early: If you’re not serving the salad immediately, wait to dress it until just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
- Spice it Up: If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub or the dressing.

Close-up of a vibrant Southwest chicken salad.

Variations & Substitutions

Get creative with your Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad! Here are some ideas:

Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi or tempeh.
Creamy: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a drizzle of cashew cream to the dressing.
Smoky: Use smoked paprika in the chicken spice rub.
Spicier: Add diced jalapeño to the salad or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Different Greens: Use spinach, romaine, or a spring mix instead of mixed greens.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious pairings:

Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
Guacamole: Add a scoop of guacamole for extra flavor and creaminess.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: A perfect summery side dish.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cider : The bubbles cut through the richness of the avocado and dressing.

Health Benefits

This salad isn’t just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients!

Chicken: Provides lean protein for muscle building and repair.
Mixed Greens: Offer essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Black Beans: High in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and satiety.
Avocado: Provides healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals for overall well-being.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat your Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad:

Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Reheating: The salad is best served cold. If you prefer warm chicken, you can gently reheat it in a skillet or microwave before adding it to the salad.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables will become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for the chicken or include diced jalapeños in the salad. A dash of your favorite hot sauce in the dressing also works wonders!

Can I use a different type of protein?

Absolutely! Grilled steak, shrimp, or even tofu would be delicious in this salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken, chop the vegetables, and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

How long will the dressing last?

The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 8g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful salads? Check out these other delicious recipes:

Arugula, Chickpea, and Roasted Beet Salad with Balsamic – A delicious and healthy salad with a tangy balsamic dressing.
Chickpea, Carrot, and Zucchini Salad with Ginger Dressing – A refreshing and flavorful salad with a zesty ginger dressing.
Avocado, Chickpea, and Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Dressing – A creamy and refreshing salad with a bright cilantro dressing.

Conclusion

This Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is a fast, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easily customizable and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight, and tag us with your culinary masterpiece!

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Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad