Description
Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying Juicy Southwest Chicken Salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures. This salad features juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. Not only is it customizable to suit your dietary preferences, but it also works wonderfully for meal prep or as a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Let rest before slicing.
- Prepare vegetables: While the chicken cooks, chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Rinse the black beans under cold water if using canned.
- Toss salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cilantro, and lime juice. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
- Add chicken: Slice the rested chicken into strips and place on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle any remaining marinade over everything.
- Serve: Divide the salad into bowls or plates and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of salad
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 75mg