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–+ servings
Southwest Chicken Salad

Southwest Chicken Salad: A Zesty and Easy Recipe for Everyone

A delicious Southwest Chicken Salad recipe packed with flavors, perfect for a healthy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 518 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • food processor
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

For The Chicken & Marinade

  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 6 ounces each
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 limes juiced and zested
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For The Salad

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn rinsed and drained
  • ⅓ cup red onion thinly sliced

Avocado Dressing

  • ½ large avocado
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup water or more for thinner consistency
  • ¼ cup cilantro, basil or parsley leaves
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together two tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. You can also pulse in a food processor until combined.
  • Combine the marinade and chicken fillets in a shallow dish or plastic bag. Marinate the chicken for 2-6 hours in the fridge.
  • When the chicken is done marinating, make the avocado dressing. Place all the dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy. Set aside.
  • Heat the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into strips.
  • In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce with beans, corn, tomatoes, and chicken strips. Drizzle the avocado dressing on top.

Notes

To Meal Prep: Make the cilantro lime chicken and pre-cut into strips. Store the chicken, chopped lettuce, and avocado dressing separately. To Store: All ingredients can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge. To Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then assemble the rest of the salad as is.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 518kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 31gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 441mgPotassium: 1063mgFiber: 9gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4539IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Avocado Dressing, Chicken Salad, Easy Salad, Healthy Salad, meal prep, Southwest Chicken Salad
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