Description
This Spicy Southwest Salad is bold, fresh, creamy, and packed with protein. Juicy grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and a smoky chipotle dressing come together in one vibrant, crave-worthy bowl you can make in under 20 minutes. Perfect for lunch meal prep, quick dinners, or a healthier homemade twist on the Chick-fil-A favorite.
Ingredients
For the Salad
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4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
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1 cup roasted or canned corn
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1 avocado, diced
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1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced (or rotisserie chicken)
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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¼ cup tortilla strips
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2 tbsp pepitas (optional)
For the Spicy Southwest Dressing
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½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo)
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1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo (adjust heat)
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
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½ tsp chili powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt to taste
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1–2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
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Prep the base: Add romaine, tomatoes, beans, corn, red onion, and avocado to a large bowl.
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Add protein: Top with grilled chicken slices (warm or chilled).
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Make the dressing: Blend Greek yogurt, chipotle, lime juice, honey, cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Thin with water as needed.
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Assemble: Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
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Finish: Add tortilla strips and pepitas for crunch.
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Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
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For a mild version, use chili powder instead of chipotle.
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For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for extra beans or tofu.
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Add lime juice right before serving to keep flavors bright.
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Keep dressing separate if meal-prepping (stays fresh 3–4 days).
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Add avocado fresh to avoid browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for chicken, optional)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 70mg