Southwest Chicken Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish typically made with grilled or roasted chicken breast, mixed greens or lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and sometimes shredded cheese. It’s often served with a creamy cilantro lime dressing or a spicy chipotle dressing. Here’s a basic recipe for Southwest Chicken Salad:
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups mixed greens or lettuce
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the salad and serve immediately.
Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences by adding additional toppings such as sliced bell peppers, jalapeños, or tortilla strips. Enjoy your Southwest Chicken Salad!
