Southwest Chicken Salad

If you're looking to elevate your salad game, the Southwest Fiesta Chicken Salad is a vibrant and delicious option that perfectly balances nutrition and flavor. This hearty salad incorporates an array of fresh ingredients, creating a colorful medley that not only delights the palate but also celebrates the essence of healthy eating. With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, it's no wonder that this salad has become a favorite for those seeking a wholesome meal.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Southwest Fiesta Chicken Salad, a perfect blend of health and taste! Packed with grilled chicken, fresh mixed greens, black beans, corn, and colorful veggies, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you're meal prepping or entertaining, its versatility shines through. Serve it with a homemade dressing for an extra kick. Enjoy a delightful dish that nourishes your body and pleases your palate!

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced into strips

4 cups of mixed greens (a blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed

1 cup fresh or canned corn kernels

1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Tortilla strips or lightly crushed tortilla chips for garnish

Instructions

Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder for a flavorful kick. Grill the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through, with internal temperatures reaching 165°F (75°C) and juices running clear. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

Prepare the Dressing: While the chicken is resting, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.

Add the Chicken: Carefully add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad. Use tongs to gently mix the chicken into the salad without mashing the avocado.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lime dressing generously over the salad. Toss everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing, creating a vibrant and flavorful mix.

Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a handful of tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips to add a satisfying crunch.

Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. Dive in and savor the colorful medley of flavors in your revitalizing Southwest Chicken Salad!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the salad in a large, shallow bowl and consider garnishing each serving with a lime wedge and extra cilantro for a pop of color.