Southwest Chicken Salad
Embark on a flavor-packed journey with Southwest Chicken Salad! This vibrant salad features tender chicken, crisp lettuce, sweet corn, creamy avocado, black beans, and zesty salsa, all tossed together with a tangy cilantro lime dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed if frozen)
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, tortilla strips
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and coat them with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the salad: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced avocado, black beans, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Assemble the salad: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips. Add the sliced chicken to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6. Serve: Divide the Southwest Chicken Salad among serving plates. If desired, top each serving with sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips for extra flavor and crunch.
7. Enjoy: Serve the Southwest Chicken Salad immediately and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal!
Feel free to customize this salad by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. Enjoy your Southwest-inspired creation!
