Easy Southwest Chicken Salad
Make easy Southwest Chicken Salad at home with grilled chicken, black beans, fresh veggies, and lime vinaigrette. Gluten-free and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels or frozen corn, thawed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Cotija cheese or feta for topping, optional
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with cumin, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- 2
Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 3
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear without moving them for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and charred on the underside.
- 4
Flip the chicken carefully and cook on the second side for another 6-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- 5
Remove the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- 6
While the chicken rests, whisk together the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create the vinaigrette.
- 7
Arrange the mixed salad greens in a large serving bowl or divide them among individual plates.
- 8
Top the greens with the sliced chicken, followed by the corn kernels, black beans, diced bell pepper, red onion slices, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- 9
Scatter the avocado slices over the salad just before serving to prevent browning.
- 10
Drizzle the lime vinaigrette evenly over the entire salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- 11
Garnish with fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese if desired, then serve immediately.
- 12
Store any leftover salad components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, assembling fresh portions as needed.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Grilled chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken | Thighs contain more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are less likely to dry out during cooking |
| Mixed salad greens | Spinach or arugula base | Spinach and arugula contain significantly more iron, calcium, and antioxidants that support gut health |
| Extra virgin olive oil | Avocado oil or walnut oil | Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and contains lutein; walnut oil provides omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation reduction |
| Canned black beans | Cooked dried black beans or pinto beans | Soaking and cooking dried beans reduces sodium by 40% and increases prebiotic fiber for better gut health |
| Regular corn | Charred corn or frozen heirloom corn varieties | Charring adds antioxidants through the Maillard reaction; heirloom varieties contain more phytonutrients |
| Cotija cheese | Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds | Seeds provide plant-based protein, magnesium, and zinc while being dairy-free and lower in sodium |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 438 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 42g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
