Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
– 1 avocado, diced
– ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup tortilla strips (for crunch)
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
– Juice of 1 lime
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to assemble your Quick Southwest Chicken Salad:
1. Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken, season it with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Grill or cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 15 minutes). Let it cool, then shred or dice.
2. Wash the Greens: Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel and place them in a large salad bowl.
3. Add Toppings: Layer in the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced avocado, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a zesty dressing.
5. Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
6. Finish with Crunch: Top the salad with tortilla strips for a delightful crunch and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
7. Serve: Dish out the salad onto plates or serve it family-style in the salad bowl.
Following these steps will yield a strikingly vibrant and delicious salad that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g