Busy moms deserve quick and delicious meals that the whole family will love. This Southwest Chicken Salad packs in vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and plenty of protein to keep everyone satisfied. Plus, it’s simple to whip up and makes for great leftovers. Let’s dive into this tasty, colorful dish that takes just minutes to prepare!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
This Southwest Chicken Salad makes mealtime a breeze. With juicy grilled chicken and hearty black beans, it offers a nutritious balance your family needs. The recipe is quick to put together, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. It’s also customizable for picky eaters and perfect for meal prep. What’s not to love?
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Juicy grilled chicken, Black beans, Sweet corn, Crunchy romaine, Creamy avocado, Cherry tomatoes, Smoky chipotle-lime dressing
Directions
- Grill the chicken and slice it into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the black beans, sweet corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add the grilled chicken on top.
- Drizzle the smoky chipotle-lime dressing over the salad.
- Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or pack for a meal prep option.
Southwest Chicken Salad
A quick and delicious Southwest Chicken Salad packed with vibrant flavors and plenty of protein, perfect for busy families.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Juicy grilled chicken
- Black beans
- Sweet corn
- Crunchy romaine
- Creamy avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Smoky chipotle-lime dressing
Instructions
- Grill the chicken and slice it into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the black beans, sweet corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add the grilled chicken on top.
- Drizzle the smoky chipotle-lime dressing over the salad.
- Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or pack for a meal prep option.
Notes
For best results, avoid mixing in the dressing if you plan to store it for leftovers. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Serve
This salad shines as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Looking for a cozy meal? Pair it with a side of soup. Kids love this meal, and it’s also a great option for a happy, satisfying lunch at school or work.
How to Store
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To keep the avocado from browning, you might want to add it just before serving. For best results, avoid mixing in the dressing if you plan to store it for smothered leftovers. When ready to eat, simply shake or stir to combine, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on your family’s tastes. Add shredded cheese or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. Consider substituting grilled chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken for a faster meal. You can also make this salad vegan by replacing the chicken with grilled veggies or extra black beans for protein.
FAQs
How long does it take to make this salad?
It takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy option for busy weeknights.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving for the best flavor.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers taste delicious and can be served for lunch the next day. Just store them in an airtight container to keep everything fresh.
Conclusion
Give this Southwest Chicken Salad a try. Its bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and easy prep will make it a new family favorite. Save this recipe for later, and enjoy stress-free meals that bring everyone together around the table!
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