Description
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that redefines the classic salad experience. Featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in bold spices and paired with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, this salad is drizzled with a tangy dressing that elevates every bite. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or busy weeknight dinners, it’s an explosion of taste and nutrition that will delight your taste buds while keeping your meals exciting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (680g)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (150g; mix of red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced (75g)
- 1 cup corn (150g), fresh or canned
- 1 can black beans (400g), rinsed and drained
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (120g)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (60ml)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (60ml)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Cook the chicken: Preheat grill or pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Let rest before slicing.
- 3. Chop vegetables: While the chicken cooks, dice bell peppers and red onion; rinse black beans and corn under cold water.
- 4. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together chopped lettuce with diced veggies, black beans, corn, and sliced chicken.
- 6. Drizzle dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg