Description
A hearty, colorful, and flavorful salad bursting with the zesty flavors of the Southwest! This nutritious dish is perfect as a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or your favorite mix)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
2️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base.
Add cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado slices, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Combine:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Toss lightly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Top with the sliced grilled chicken.
5️⃣ Serve:
Serve immediately as a standalone meal or as a side dish. Enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top.
- Substitute Greek yogurt in the dressing with sour cream or a dairy-free option for dietary preferences.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or pepitas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4