Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with protein and fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. This salad combines seasoned grilled chicken with crisp greens, black beans, corn, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing that brings all the Southwest flavors together. Easy to prepare and full of bold tastes, it’s a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
  

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
  
  

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  
  

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  
  

• 1 avocado, diced
  
  

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
  

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  
  

For the Dressing:

• Juice of 2 limes
  
  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  

• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  
  

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
   
   

2. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with the spice mixture.
   
   

3. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.
   
   

4. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
   
   

5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
   
   

6. Toss the salad with the dressing, then top with sliced grilled chicken.
   
   

7. Serve immediately.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 4):

• Calories: 380 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 22 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 3 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 70 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 300 mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 20 g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 9 g
  
  

• Sugars: 6 g
  
  

• Protein: 30 g