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To make Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad, you need: - 2 grilled chicken breast fillets, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 avocado, diced - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Juice of 2 limes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Tortilla strips for garnish (optional) Each serving of Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad has about: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Dietary Fiber: 10g - Sugars: 3g - Fat: 12g This salad is packed with nutrients. It provides protein from chicken and beans. The veggies add fiber and vitamins. You can add a few fun toppings to make your salad pop: - Tortilla strips for crunch - Extra cilantro for freshness - Lime wedges for added zest - Sliced jalapeños for heat Feel free to mix and match! These garnishes can make your salad look and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your fresh ingredients. You need grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and colorful veggies. 1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the diced chicken, drained black beans, corn, red bell pepper, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. This mix brings great texture and flavor. Now, let’s create a zesty dressing. It adds a kick to your salad. 1. Whisk Together: In a small bowl, combine the juice of two limes, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything blends well. 2. Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste the dressing. If it needs more zing, add more lime juice or spice. Your salad is almost ready! The way you serve it can make it special. 1. Transfer the Salad: Pour the salad mix onto a large, colorful platter. You can also serve it in individual bowls. 2. Add Crunch: For a fun twist, sprinkle tortilla strips on top. They add great crunch and flavor. 3. Garnish: Consider adding fresh cilantro leaves and a lime wedge for a pop of color. Your Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is now a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! Enjoy this vibrant meal. To make the best Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad, mix fresh and colorful ingredients. Use grilled chicken that is juicy and tender. Chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Be gentle when mixing to keep the avocado intact. This adds a creamy touch to each bite. Serve the salad right away for the freshest taste. Selecting high-quality ingredients is key. Use ripe avocados for creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. Choose firm, bright bell peppers for crunch. For beans, canned black beans save time. Rinse them well to remove excess salt. You can use frozen corn if fresh isn't available. This salad is all about fresh flavors. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper. Start with a little and taste as you go. For a milder salad, reduce the cayenne. You can also skip the chili powder if you prefer less spice. Lime juice helps balance heat with its tangy flavor. Always taste and adjust to fit your palate. Enjoy customizing your salad! Pro Tips Perfectly Diced Avocado: To achieve uniform avocado pieces, slice it in half, remove the pit, and make crisscross cuts inside the flesh before scooping it out with a spoon. Freshness Matters: Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad. Adjust the Spice: If you're unsure about the heat level, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and gradually increase it to suit your taste preference. Make Ahead: For a quicker meal prep, you can chop all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness. {{image_2}} You can make this salad vegetarian by skipping the chicken. Use grilled tofu or tempeh instead. These options add a nice texture. For vegans, ensure you use plant-based dressings. Try using avocado instead of chicken for creaminess. You can swap ingredients for what you have. If you don’t have black beans, use kidney beans. For corn, frozen or canned works just fine. Instead of red bell pepper, try yellow or green peppers for a different taste. You can also add diced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. Want more protein? Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas. You can also toss in nuts like walnuts or almonds. These not only add protein but also a nice crunch. Grilled shrimp or fish can also boost the protein in this salad. Just make sure to adjust the spices to match! To store your Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the salad cools down first. This keeps the flavors fresh and the veggies crisp. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Since this salad has fresh veggies, I recommend not reheating it. If you must warm it up, heat only the chicken in a microwave. Do this for about 30 seconds. After warming, mix it back with the salad. Be careful not to cook the veggies. You can freeze the chicken salad, but some ingredients don't freeze well. Avoid freezing avocado and tomatoes. To freeze, put the chicken, beans, corn, and peppers in a container. Leave out the dressing. It can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh toppings. You can use beans or tofu as a substitute for chicken. Both options add protein. Try chickpeas or lentils for a hearty twist. If you want meat, shredded pork or turkey works well too. These swaps keep the salad filling and tasty. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Just mix the salad ingredients, but keep the dressing separate. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh. This way, your salad stays crisp and delicious. This salad pairs well with tortilla chips or a side of rice. You can also serve it with grilled corn or a warm tortilla. For a light meal, enjoy it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. These sides enhance the flavors and make a complete meal. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad. We discussed the key ingredients and their nutritional facts. You learned how to mix the dressing and serve it right. I shared tips to help you make it perfect and variations that fit different diets. Finally, we addressed how to store leftovers safely. Remember, feel free to explore and make this recipe your own. Enjoy each bite!

Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring grilled chicken, black beans, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a light meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwest
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets grilled chicken breast, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 whole avocado, diced
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 whole limes, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to taste tortilla strips for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until well coated, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  • Taste the salad and adjust seasoning or lime juice if necessary.
  • Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
  • If desired, sprinkle tortilla strips on top for added crunch.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl, and use fresh cilantro leaves as a garnish on top. A lime wedge on the side can add extra color and flavor!
Keyword chicken, healthy, salad, spicy