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Ultimate Southwest Salad

The Ultimate Southwest Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of the Southwest right to your table. With crunchy greens, juicy grilled chicken, and a zingy lime dressing, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends while delivering a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 6 cups mixed greens (romaine and spinach)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz), rinsed
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp cumin powder

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Let rest before slicing.
  2. 2. Prepare Vegetables: Chop mixed greens, slice cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, and dice avocado just before serving.
  3. 3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, layer mixed greens first. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and diced avocado.
  4. 4. Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, mix lime juice, olive oil, and cumin until well blended.
  5. 5. Drizzle & Toss: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. 6. Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to plates or serve family-style in the bowl.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad serving (approximately 350g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - Marinate the chicken for added flavor. - Swap proteins like turkey or beef for variety. - Add jalapeños for extra heat.