Name: Southwest Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 1 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 1 cup Greek yogurt; Zest and juice of 2 large limes; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo; 1 Tbsp adobo sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1 garlic clove; 1 Tbsp water; 3 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced; 1 large avocado, diced; 1 large cucumber, diced; 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn, fresh or canned

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Short Description

This vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad is a bold and refreshing dish featuring seasoned chicken, creamy chipotle-lime yogurt dressing, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables. A balanced, protein-packed meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed chicken: Smoky spices elevate tender slices of chicken breast.
Creamy chipotle dressing: A tangy, smoky sauce with a hint of heat.
Loaded with fresh produce: Crisp lettuce, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes create the ultimate bite.
Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin

For the Dressing

1 cup Greek yogurt
Zest and juice of 2 large limes
2 chipotle peppers in adobo
1 Tbsp adobo sauce
1 tsp salt
1 garlic clove
1 Tbsp water

For the Salad

3 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1 large avocado, diced
1 large cucumber, diced
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, fresh or canned

Directions

Cook the Chicken
- Toss chicken slices in salt, paprika, and cumin.
- Heat a skillet over medium and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Dressing
- In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, lime zest and juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, salt, garlic, and water.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Salad
- Add chopped iceberg lettuce to a large salad bowl.
- Layer sliced tomatoes, diced avocado, cucumber, black beans, corn, and the cooked chicken on top.
- Drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing before serving.

Servings And Timing

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add roasted sweet potatoes or grilled tofu.
Add grains: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro for added fiber and texture.
More greens: Mix romaine or baby spinach with iceberg for variety.
Extra crunch: Top with tortilla strips or pepitas for texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Dressing: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days—stir before each use.
Reheating chicken: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave before serving if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes—shred and season it with paprika and cumin for a quick shortcut.

2. Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate kick from chipotle; reduce the amount if needed.

3. Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely—just store the dressing and avocado separately until ready to eat.

4. What kind of yogurt should I use?

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture, but low-fat works too.

5. Can I grill the chicken?

Yes—grilling adds a smoky char that complements the chipotle flavor well.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the dressing.

7. What toppings go well with this?

Shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of extra lime all work beautifully.

8. Can I serve it warm?

Yes—serve the warm chicken over chilled salad for a temperature contrast.

9. How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss it with lime juice or add it just before serving.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any canned items are certified GF.

Conclusion

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a bold, satisfying dish with the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, crunchy, and fresh elements. Whether for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or meal prep plan, it brings flavor and nourishment in every bite. Customize it, layer it up, and enjoy!

Maggie