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Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of summer to your table. This salad features juicy grilled chicken, crisp bell peppers, sweet corn, and hearty black beans, all tossed in a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a light meal, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests while satisfying your taste buds.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes per side until no longer pink inside.
  2. While chicken cooks, chop the bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Once cooked, let chicken cool slightly before slicing into strips. In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken with chopped veggies and black beans.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling/Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices before grilling. Customize by adding avocado or swapping chicken for turkey or tofu. To keep the salad fresh if made ahead of time, store the dressing separately.