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A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy Southwest Chicken Salad with corn, black beans, and avocado.

Hearty Southwest Chicken Salad

This vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad features tender, spiced chicken, crisp corn, black beans, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all tossed with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Prep Time 55 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Southwest, Tex-Mex
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Southwest Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless, sliced horizontally into 1/2-inch thick cutlets or diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Salad
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 (15-oz) can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-oz) can corn drained (or 1.5 cups fresh/frozen corn, thawed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper red or orange, diced
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for serving (optional)
For the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat or 2%
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro packed
  • 2 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Pinch black pepper
  • 1-2 tbsp water to thin (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Large Skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Southwest Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate. (Can marinate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
  4. Remove chicken from the skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or dice into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In the large bowl where the chicken was marinated (or a clean large salad bowl), combine the chopped romaine lettuce, rinsed black beans, drained corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Add the cooked and sliced Southwest chicken to the salad ingredients.
  3. Pour about half of the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add more dressing if desired.
  4. Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado.
  5. Divide the salad among serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, if using.

Notes

• **Meal Prep Tip:** Prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and avocado fresh.
• **Variations:** Add pickled jalapeños for extra heat, or crumbled cotija cheese for a salty kick. You can also grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
• **Storage:** Store any leftover dressed salad for up to 1 day; however, the lettuce may become soggy. Store undressed components separately for best freshness.