why make this recipe
Southwest Chicken Salad is a delightful and healthy dish that brings together bold flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers a great way to enjoy lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and lots of colorful veggies. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
how to make Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 avocado – peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 (1 ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 medium ear corn, husk and silk removed
- 1 medium head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 0.5 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 0.5 small red onion, sliced into petals
Directions:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Combine avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, water, lime juice, ranch seasoning, and salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place the chicken in a bowl. Add olive oil and fajita seasoning. Toss until evenly combined.
- Prepare a grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Add chicken and corn. Grill, turning once, until corn is tender and chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 10 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the center should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Transfer to a cutting board.
- Divide romaine, tomatoes, black beans, and onions between two serving plates. Cut corn off the cob; divide between the two plates.
- Slice chicken breast; divide between the 2 plates. Drizzle each salad with avocado dressing to serve.
how to serve Southwest Chicken Salad
Serve the Southwest Chicken Salad fresh with a generous drizzle of the creamy avocado dressing. You can enjoy it on its own or with some tortilla chips for added crunch. This dish is great for lunch or dinner and is sure to satisfy your craving for bright and bold flavors.
how to store Southwest Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. Consume within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
tips to make Southwest Chicken Salad
- Make sure to season the chicken well for maximum flavor.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
- If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your chicken breasts.
variation
You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like grilled shrimp, quinoa, or even sourdough croutons for a different twist. Also, consider swapping the black beans for chickpeas or lentils for a different kind of protein.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free, provided that you check the labels on the ranch dressing mix to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just mix in the dressing and grill the chicken just before serving for the best taste.