Description
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of summer to your table. This salad features tender grilled chicken, fresh leafy greens, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy corn, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a zesty dressing that adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this salad is the perfect blend of taste and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups fresh leafy greens (mixed romaine and spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (juices run clear).
- While chicken cools, chop leafy greens and halve cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and honey.
- In a large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and avocado. Slice grilled chicken on top and drizzle with dressing.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken overnight for added flavor. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or add feta cheese for extra richness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently to maintain freshness.