Spicy Southwest Salad with fresh vegetables and zesty dressing

Spicy Southwest Salad

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Spicy Southwest Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and offers a mix of textures and tastes. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy, spicy dressing. Plus, it is easy to make, healthy, and can be customized to fit your taste.

how to make Spicy Southwest Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 lime (juiced and zested)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 2-3 tbsp hot sauce of choice (I used Chipotle Cholula)
  • 1 head green leaf lettuce (chopped)
  • 2 tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 2 avocados (sliced)
  • 1 cup corn
  • ½ red onion (sliced)
  • ½ cup tortilla strips
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl or a gallon-sized zip lock bag, combine the chicken marinade ingredients: lime juice and zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil.
  2. Add the chicken breasts and toss until they are well coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
  3. Spray a grill pan with cooking spray and heat on medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until fully cooked. Avoid flipping the chicken too frequently to achieve good grill marks.
  5. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool, then slice it into thin strips.
  6. While the chicken is cooking, make the southwest ranch dressing by mixing ranch dressing and hot sauce in a small bowl. Stir until well combined and set aside.
  7. To assemble the salad, place chopped lettuce in a bowl. Top with sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, sliced bell pepper, avocado, corn, sliced red onion, and tortilla strips.
  8. Drizzle with the spicy ranch dressing and garnish with cilantro and lime juice. Enjoy your meal!

how to serve Spicy Southwest Salad

Serve the Spicy Southwest Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. It’s great on its own or served alongside grilled vegetables or crusty bread.

how to store Spicy Southwest Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and freshness.

tips to make Spicy Southwest Salad

  • Marinate the chicken for as long as possible to enhance the flavor.
  • Use fresh ingredients for a more vibrant salad.
  • Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce.
  • Add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or radishes for a twist.

variation

You can easily customize the Spicy Southwest Salad by using different proteins like shrimp or tofu. You can also replace ranch dressing with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the spicy ranch dressing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortilla strips, the salad will be gluten-free.

3. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken to save time. Just mix it with the dressing and assemble the salad.